Outside my window... it's sunny and around 50 degrees, with just a few high clouds
I am thinking... how good it is to hear my boys playing---after them being sick all last week, the normal kid sounds are wonderful.
I am thankful for... the quiet, relaxing weekend we had: our only scheduled thing was to have the boys pictures taken Saturday afternoon (which turned out very nicely!)
I am wearing... my favorite t-shirt, my new (read very soft & fuzzy inside) gray sweats, socks with pink on them (so my husband won't steal them) and sneakers
I am remembering... how nice the trim on the new house looks, freshly painted
I am going... to the kitchen right after I finish this, and tackle the mess in there
I am hoping... that we will have the closing on our new house next week
On my mind... moving, and all the details that go with it
From the learning rooms... we've been working on our Thanksgiving lapbook; we got a slow start with the boys being sick all last week, but I'm still hopeful we can get it done before Thanksgiving so we can take it to my sisters' and show the family.
Noticing that... my housekeeping standards have really slipped over the past few years, and I want to change that; I'm hopeful that with the new house, it will be better, as there will be places to put things.
Pondering these words... Christ is born---how amazing that is, that He would come and be born a baby, go through everything He did, to eventually die---all to save us
Around the house... I have quite a few empty boxes now, just need to fill them and get back into packing mode after taking last week off with sick kids
One of my favorite things... almonds covered in dark chocolate
Just a few random thoughts here. I like to do the Simple Woman's Daybook, but it's not Monday and now is when I have the time and inclination, so here is my version for this week.
Both boys are sick. DS2 is faring better today, as his fever is gone and he has perked up a bit. Nice to see his smile again (it's so cute with both his front teeth missing) and see a bit of his normal energy back. He still has some cough, and his eyes still look sick, but at least he's on the mend. DS1 woke up really sick---fever of 103.7 and just felt awful, poor kid. Medicine brought the fever down, and he is doing better, although subdued. He also has a bit of cough, but has not had the sore throat that DS2 had. He's about a day behind DS2 with this bug, so I expect he will be feeling better tomorrow. They will both be disappointed if they have to miss gym time on Tuesday night, but I won't take them sick. We'll have to wait and see.
Hubby is outside today: it's a beautiful 60 degrees with sunny blue sky. Unusual for November here. He's alternately raking and mowing leaves. It's a shame the boys are sick, as this would be a great day to play outside. It's supposed to be 70 tomorrow, although I can't quite believe it. If so, hopefully we'll be able to go outside, even if just to sit for a bit and breathe the fresh air.
I'm listening to Christmas music from my new toolbar I got from The Homeschooling Lounge. I love it! I've not explored anything else the toolbar can do, as I'm not much of a techy person, but I'm really enjoying the music. I start in October with Christmas music, and listen well into February. I just love it.
I bought a Thanksgiving lapbook from CurrClick (they're having a sale) for part of our November homeschooling and am anxious to begin. This year I want to really spend some time on Thanksgiving. Wouldn't you know that the boys would get sick right when I come up with something new? Just my luck. And of course I'll probably be next with the sick business. I'm taking extra vitamins, but I can't resist the request of a sick boy wanting to sit in my lap. That's what moms are for, nevermind the consequences.
No new news on the house yet. I sure would like to close sooner than the day before Thanksgiving. I'm going to call our lawyer tomorrow and see if we can't speed things up a bit. I'd like to be able to move before there's major snow or bitter cold.
Outside my window... it's raining, and only getting up to 50 today; such a dismal change from yesterday when it was sunny and 62. The boys played and jumped in the leaves all afternoon.
I am thinking... how much I love ds2. Both boys are playing Monopoly, but ds2 is completely naked except for a pair of camo socks, simply because he got distracted while dressing and has not yet noticed that he forgot his clothes. His innocence and enthusiasm makes me smile.
I am thankful for... being able to stay home today---no appointments, no errands---yeah!
I am wearing...a new pair of gray sweat pants, all soft and fuzzy inside, a baby blue sweatshirt, and two pairs of fuzzy socks.
I am remembering...warm summer days with the windows open and a soft breeze wafting in.
I am going...to a Stampin Up party on Saturday afternoon---really looking forward to that.
I am reading...The DTOUR Diet; looking to lose some belly fat. So far, it looks like a great plan, I'm just not sure I can do it.
I am hoping...to hear something positive about the house closing soon.
On my mind...getting the livingroom picked up before Saturday
From the learning rooms...we started another dinosaur project---this one bigger than any we've done before.
Noticing that...the leaves this year lacked much color---lots of yellow, but not much red or orange---very blah considering how brilliant the colors are some years
Pondering these words...we are His workmanship, created for good works in ChristThe Simple Woman's Daybook . . . created for good works
From the kitchen...oh, let's not even discuss the kitchen
Around the house...working on packing, and taming the laundry monster in the bathroom
One of my favorite things...fierce hugs from my sons
Outside my window... the sun is shining and it's 33 degrees
I am thinking... of what I need to take as we venture out today---several errands to run, as well as visiting my mom
I am thankful for... hubby's car being all fixed: thankful that it broke down on a pay week when we had money to fix it; thankful that it only took a couple of days in the shop and so did not inconvenience us much.
I am wearing...my Grabowski University t-shirt, gray sweats, and fuzzy socks
I am remembering... how much my dad loved the cool autumn weather. He nearly always wore a black and red checked wool shirt; whenever I see one, I think of him.
I am going... to get all my Avon orders delivered in the next few days and not let it drag on thru the week.
I am reading...A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to
Your Soul, by Holly Pierlot
I am hoping... that things continue to go quickly and smoothly with the new house.
On my mind... how much I am looking forward to having a wood stove! I know it's a lot of work, but, oh, the heat! I am sooo looking forward to that heat!
Noticing that...ds1, who is 9 now, does not want anything to do with girlie stuff, no matter how remote. He used to like to do Avon deliveries with me, and now, while he still likes to go most of the time, he will not carry a bag if it looks remotely girlie (like the big one with Reese Witherspoon's picture on it). I had my Avon order by the sofa last week, where I'd been sorting it out and bagging it up, and he & ds2 came in and started playing by it---ds1 commented that he might need a bath after rubbing up against the bags. LOL!!
Pondering these words... all I have needed Thy hand hath provided, great is Thy faithfulness
FOR TODAY
Monday October 12, 2009...
Outside my window...there are lots of clouds, but the sun is trying to peek through them; it's chilly out
I am thinking...excited thoughts about our up-coming move to a new house
I am thankful for...all that we have---God has blessed us so richly!
From the learning rooms...I have lots of good ideas, but seem short on time to do them
Pondering these words...that "the house is a tool, not a showplace", written by a homeschooling mom of 14
I am wearing...sweats and fuzzy socks---there are snow showers in the forecast for Saturday!
I am going...to stay home as much as possible this week! It seems like we had to go someplace nearly every day last week. Even my oldest, who loves to "go" was happy to be home today.
I am hoping...that the painter gets to the new house this week and does what he needs to do so that the appraiser can go back and approve it. I am hoping everything continues to go smoothly and quickly and we get to close a bit earlier than expected.
I am hearing...the furnace run (sigh). And the boys excited voices as they work on packing a few things up in their rooms.
Around the house... a state of disarray which is a result of a combination of running so much last week, running out of room in this house, and packing.
One of my favorite things...hot chocolate on a chilly day--like today!
A few plans for the rest of the week: must get my Avon orders separated and ready to deliver, and then deliver them; want to work on packing; plus regular chores and schooling to be done. So much to do---what a full and wonderful life I have!
FOR TODAY
Monday September 28, 2009...
Outside my window... it is dark, as it's nearly 10:00pm
I am thinking... how much I enjoyed Bible study tonight
I am thankful for... my husband, who rearranged his schedule at his second job so I could attend Bible study on Monday nights for the next 12 weeks.
From the learning rooms... I need to get quarterly reports done this week.
From the kitchen... I made a really tasty dinner tonight of baked chicken, stuffing, and garlic shells
I am wearing... sweats and fuzzy socks
I am creating... a mental picture of our moving day, planning it out
I am going... to be home tomorrow, as the man comes to fix our bathroom floor---yeah!
I am reading... Time Management for Unmanageable People, and the book of James
I am hoping... that the bathroom doesn't take too long tomorrow, as we only have one
I am hearing... mostly quiet, as the house winds down for the night
Around the house... the usual chaos rules
One of my favorite things... strawberry rhubarb---someone make some strawberry rhubarb bars for Bible study tonight and boy were they good! I've never made it myself, but I sure do like to eat it!
A few plans for the rest of the week: home tomorrow, then Avon deliveries the rest of the week, and Pumpkinfest on Saturday---my mom is coming for that, so it's sure to be fun!
FOR TODAY
Monday September 14, 2009...
Outside my window... the sun is shining, O Happy Day!
I am thinking... excited thoughts about the house we've been looking at
I am thankful for... my mom: she is a constant source of comfort and inspiration to me
From the learning rooms...I am mindful that it's nearly time for first quarter reports, so I need to start prepping for that
From the kitchen... nothing going on today. I wanted to make brownies, but time has flown by; maybe tomorrow
I am wearing... light blue t-shirt, dark blue sweats, and fuzzy socks
I am creating... a "to-do" list for this week, in hopes of bringing order to my chaotic thoughts
I am going... food shopping tomorrow or Wed.---have not decided which day yet
I am reading...The Well Adjusted Child: The Social Benefits of Homeschooling
I am hoping... that it's God's will that we get this house I'm thinking of
I am hearing... the boys play a game of Prize Property
Around the house...lots to be done; I did not get as much accomplished today as I'd hoped, so my list for tomorrow is full
One of my favorite things... Oreo cookies and a cold glass of milk
A few plans for the rest of the week: deliver Avon, go to the credit union, food shopping, get chores done at home
I found this on another blog (here)and I liked it so much I wanted to post it myself. When I was still working part time, I was often given the comment of "I wish I could afford to work part time" and though I smiled and said something nice in reply, what I really wanted to say was more like this:
Dear Working Mom,
I see you nearly every time I'm out with my children. Sometimes you are very young, sometimes you look older. You might look happy one day and tired or stressed the next. You are different every time I meet you, but you say the same thing to me nearly every time: "You're so lucky. I wish I could stay home with my children but I just can't afford it."
Usually I smile and agree that I am blessed, but quite honestly I'd like to challenge you. You say you can't afford to stay home. Maybe you can if you're willing to make some changes.
Will you trade in your 2 year old car for a 13 year old mini van? The side door might not work very well. Yes, it will break down occasionally on your way to the kids' dental checkups, but that's ok. Your dentist will understand. Do plan to change a flat every now and then, since you might be driving on older tires.
Will you buy your clothes at thrift stores from now on? I know your clothes aren't terribly expensive now, but even inexpensive clothes add up when you buy them new. No, you won't always be able to wear exactly what you want, but you might find that it's not such a big deal if you're spending most of your time at home. Your kids won't make fun of your fashion sense. Well, not unless they're teens. Then I can't vouch for them.
You might have to reconsider cable TV. Anyway, the last thing you need is to watch the average 5 hours/day of TV. Too much of it is about working moms driving late model cars and wearing all those clothes you won't be buying.
Something as simple as grabbing pizza on Friday night might become a financial decision, carefully weighed out.
Your children should expect some changes too. Ballet lessons, karate lessons, and sports might go on the chopping block. They might be among the sad minority that does not possess a laptop or cell phone. They might never visit Disneyland. Summer camp might even be crossed off the calendar. Don't let the guilt get to you. Just like adults, children are not entitled to all the best in life. Children need to understand that these things are extras. They are wants, not needs. The sooner your children know this, the happier they will be.
Would you be willing to sell your house? If you're serious about wanting to stay home with your children, this might be what it takes. Are you willing to live in a smaller, older home, in a lower priced neighborhood?
To sum it up, are you willing to give up a middle class lifestyle? I know you're not rich now, but you could get by on less if you really had to. Is staying home with your children worth that much to you?
I realize that not every situation is the same. You might be a single mom, struggling just to keep the electric on. Some churches would help you, but you might not be in that sort of church.
You might be willing to make all the lifestyle changes that would enable you to stay home but your husband insists that you work. Or maybe you're a single mom and you provide the only income for your family.
Maybe your husband is disabled, and truly can't support the family.
Or maybe you didn't really mean that you'd love to do it. Maybe you just meant it might be kinda nice, if you didn't have to give up any of your current creature comforts.
But maybe, just maybe you really never thought of it this way and now you realize that you can afford to stay home. Will you do it?
We homeschool year round, and our school year goes from July 1-June 30, so we've actually been "back to school" for a month now. We are very relaxed, and the year round idea works well for our family.
Another thing that works well is using information from the World Book site to plan what we're doing for each grade. They have a Typical Course of Study for each grade. Another homeschool mom put me on to this, and it's been the best thing ever! We have quite a bit of paperwork to do for NYS and having this all done by grade is a huge help.
My first choice for a prize would be the one from CurrClick.
FOR TODAY July 20, 2009...
Outside my window... there is sunshine and blue sky--it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day!
I am thinking... how busy we were last week, even though we had no special plans: hubby was on vacation, and we just planned to get a few things done around the house. We ended up taking the boys to vbs, which took up 5 evenings, and hubby still worked his 2nd job, so other than celebrating our anniversary, we really didn't get much done.
I am thankful for... feeling better about life today; I feel ready to tackle the things I need to
From the learning rooms...this is not from a learning "room" exactly, but ds2 learned to ride a bike this weekend! He is very proud, as am I
From the kitchen... hubby did a sweet thing for me: one of the nights I took the boys to vbs, hubby did all the dishes. Bless his heart!
I am wearing... my favorite grey shorts, and a Canada t-shirt---no socks!
I am going... to run errands today---must take the boys to the dr, and then hopefully get some Avon business done
I am reading...Dewey the Library Cat
I am hoping... this feeling of well-being continues
I am hearing... stirrings from upstairs as someone is waking up
Around the house... I am so happy to say we got our "new" sofa! We'd been with just a love seat for a few months, and while it fit nicely in the space we have, it just was not adequate for our needs. We need a big sofa. My mom just bought a new one, and so now we have her old one. It 's even colors I'd choose if I could. Perfect!
One of my favorite things... hearing ds2 chatter and sing to himself. For so long I worried about his speech, now it's blessing to hear him express himself so easily.
A few plans for the rest of the week: taking the truck into the shop (again!) for hopefully a minor thing, delivering Avon, visit my mom, and get back into our normal routine
Here is picture thought I am sharing (two)...
Hubby and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary today! We are taking the boys to my mom's and she is going to watch them while we go out to eat. Nice break, huh? Also, hubby has been on vacation this week, so we get to spend the whole day today together. Can't believe it's been 10 years!
FOR TODAY Monday June 29, 2009...
Outside my window... the sun is shining, the birds are singing, it's 70-something degrees---a beautiful day!
I am thinking... scattered thoughts---can't seem to concentrate on anything right now
I am thankful for... healthy boys with healthy appitites
From the learning rooms... I worked this weekend printing/creating some forms to use with our homeschooling. They are a bit more detailed than we've used thus far. We'll see how it goes. Our new school year begins July 1st.
From the kitchen... dishes, dishes, everywhere---that is my project for today.
I am wearing... denim shorts and a light blue t-shirt (and NO socks---and my feet are warm, too!)
I am going... nowhere for a few days---the vehicle is still in the shop, and won't be done till Tues or Wed.
I am reading... my BIble study book, Calm My Anxious Heart
I am hoping... that the vehicle repairs don't cost more than anticipated
I am hearing... boys finishing lunch, and deciding what to do next
One of my favorite things... is seeing the creativity in my sons. I got ds1 a t-shirt with dinosaurs that you color in with fabric crayons---he did it this morning, and I love the results!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Avon order is due tomorrow, so must make some phone calls today and tomorrow to see if anyone wants anything; hopefully get the vehicle back by Wednesday; big plans for this holiday weekend: we will see a parade Saturday morning, then farmers market, then picnic, then fireworks, then stay the night at my mom's, then the next day visit mil, then home. Will be great fun!
FOR TODAY Monday June 22, 2009...
Outside my window... I can hear hubby mowing the lawn
I am thinking... of how much we got accomplished today---everything on the list---yeah!
I am thankful for... lots of food in the house, and still money in the bank
From the learning rooms... I finished all our end-of-the-year paperwork and got it in the mail today---yeah!! And it's not due till July 1st, so I'm even done early---hurray for me!
From the kitchen... I need to put groceries away; just wanted a break before I do it
I am wearing... black shorts and a coral t-shirt---and NO socks!
I am going... to Bible study tomorrow, and I have all my homework done
I am reading...Calm My Anxious Heart for Bible study
I am hoping... that the mechanic calls tomorrow to say the parts are in so we can get the Pathfinder fixed
I am hearing... the boys watching a Land Before Time video
Around the house... still so much to do, I'm not sure where to begin
One of my favorite things... listening to my little boy sing to himself---yesterday it was, "all night, all day, angels watching over me . . . "
A few plans for the rest of the week: hoping to get the vehicle fixed, then take a day to go visit my mom and deliver some Avon, then Saturday we'll go see my MIL; no plans for Sunday yet, so hopefully a day at home
FOR TODAY Monday June 15, 2009...
Outside my window... there is blue sky and puffy white clouds; it's supposed to be in the 70's today, with a chance of rain.
I am thinking... what am I going to do with all this "stuff" we have? I'm trying to simplify, clear out, and de-clutter, but I get so overwhelmed with it all. Then there are things that I really like and want to keep, but there is no good place for them. What to do?
I am thankful for... getting the entertainment center moved from one wall to the other yesterday. It's a big job, but I did it! However, I cleaned it all off, and have decided to give it a less cluttered look---now what to do with the things I took off it---?
From the kitchen... I did not spend any time at all in the kitchen yesterday, except to run the dishwasher, so of course now it's a disaster. How does that happen so quickly?
I am wearing... still in my nightshirt, bare feet.
I am going... to a ladies Bible study on Tuesday nights now. Last week was the first time, and I really enjoyed it.
I am reading... The Duggars: 20 and Counting!
I am hoping... to get some long-needed vehicle repairs done on my Pathfinder this week. I have the appointment, and I have the money, so hopefully it will happen.
I am hearing... quiet--! Both boys are still asleep, so it's just me typing and the cat taking a bath in the chair beside me.
Around the house... I am working in the livingroom. I have a plan, an idea, for where I might put some of the things from the entertainment center---I just need to clear off the spot.
One of my favorite things... a clean floor. I prefer to be barefoot, so I really notice when there's dirt on the floor.
A few plans for the rest of the week: must put in an Avon order, so must call some customers today and tomorrow to see if they have orders. Also, once I get the livingroom better organized, I'm going to list our loveseat on FreeCycle and hopefully give it a new home, then we can make arrangements to get my mom's old (bigger!) sofa---that will be wonderful! I tried the loveseat because it fit in the space we have better, but it's just not big enough for our family---it just doesn't work for us. We need a full-size sofa!
FOR TODAY Monday June 8, 2009...
Outside my window... it's nearly dark---I forgot all about doing this today, even though I spent some time on the computer earlier
I am thinking... there will be no quiet time for me from now till bedtime, as both boys are after my attention
I am thankful for... the bills being all caught up, and for us having the money for a tow and some emergency vehicle repairs today. Also thankful that the car got us home safe and sound yesterday, so we were not stranded with the kids in the middle of nowhere---God took good care of us!
From the learning rooms... I was not able to go to the homeschooling convention last week, so instead I ordered a few things that I would have gotten there. One of those things is a Professor Noggin game---well, we ordered 3 of them, actually. I first discovered these at the homeschooling convention, and so I associate them with it, although in reality they're not tied together at all. We LOVE these games! They are fun, and filled with facts, which the boys retain like crazy. We have, from previous years, Life in the Ocean, Birds of North America, and Wildlife Safari (African animals). To that we are now adding Life on the Farm, Wildlife of North America, and Creatures of Myth and Legend. I said no to the request for the dinosaur game; the boys already know so much about dinosaurs, I don't think we need to work on that further. I was pleased to find these on Amazon---I think of Amazon as books, but they have so much more than that, I really need to expand my view of them. Two were eligible for their free shipping deal, if I spent a little more money (oh, what a chore!) so I ordered a book for myself: The Well-Adjusted Child: The Social Benefits of Homeschooling, by Rachel Gathercole. This is a subject I've been reading more and more about, as it's coming to light that homeschooled kids are actually MORE well-adjusted than PS kids---they have better manners, handle conflict better, are less influenced by peer pressure---lots of positives. I am not at all surprised, but I love reading it again and again as more studies are done.
From the kitchen... ah, the kitchen. I've heard and read several things recently that talked about blessing your husband with meals, and it's like a burr under my saddle. I'm not ready to run with that yet. Not even ready to admit or acknowledge it yet. Could this be an area God is working on me? Not ready to go there. I will give you the point that it can be a blessing to a husband to come home to a nice homecooked meal after work each day. But as far as me being the one to make that happen, well, I hate the idea.
I am wearing... tan shorts, light blue t-shirt---and fuzzy socks because my feet are cold! LOL
I am going... to the dr on Friday to discuss Essure, a permanent birth control method. I'll be 46 in a few months, and I am aware that my eggs are old and probably not viable for healthy babies anymore. I am sad about that, but okay at the same time. Not sure if we will do this method or not, just checking into it.
I am reading... still gleaning tidbits from Better Late Than Early (it's due back at the library this week); Steve & Me, by Terri Irwin; The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of American's Largest Families--How they Do It; and America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams by Steve & Annette Economides.
I am hoping... that the car repairs don't take all week, as I have things I'd like to get done.
I am hearing... the boys being boys . . . right next to me
Around the house... not much got done today---I did things that were not housework
One of my favorite things... the smell of kids fresh out of the tub
A few plans for the rest of the week: deliver Avon orders and get new brochures out; possibly a trip to Syracuse (the nearest big city) just for some fun things---get my diamond ring checked (supposed to do that every 3-4 months) and go to Michael's or A.C. Moore for a couple of Thomas the Tank Engine things (I told the boys that when the income tax money came they could each get a Thomas item) and maybe a ride on the carosel at the mall. We hardly ever go just for fun, so this is a big deal. All of that depends on when the vehicle gets out of the shop, of course. Still, no complaints---I am happy we can take care of it easily.
FOR TODAY June 1, 2009...
Outside my window... it's dark, as it's late, and chilly
I am thinking... about the Focus on the Family broadcast I just listened to, which talked about how more people are declaring themselves pro-life now than ever before. Praise God! Abortions are down in this country, as more people are choosing life.
I am thankful for... the day we had today with my mom. Today would have been my parent's 62nd wedding anniversary. The boys and I spent the day with my mom, going out to lunch at a favorite diner of my parent's, and doing a little shopping.
From the learning rooms...I started work on the boys IHIP's this week. We homeschool year round, and our school year ends June 30th, with the new year beginning July 1st. Next on the agenda is getting the end-of-the-year paperwork done.
From the kitchen... oh, can't we just ignore the kitchen? sigh. I've been keeping up well with the dishes, which is a very good thing for me. I've also noticed that whenever I cook a really nice meal for the family, I am incredibly irritated/annoyed and in general in a really bad mood by the time I'm finished. I conclude that not only do I truly not enjoy cooking, but it actually puts me in a bad mood. great. It's not like I can avoid it. another sigh.
I am wearing... black jeans and a sweatshirt---it was not very warm out today.
I am going... to maybe visit my sister tomorrow; haven't decided yet.
I am reading... Rusty (a Scholastic book), one chapter each night, to DS2; and still Better Late Than Never
I am hoping... to feel better after Saturday is over. We are having a grave side service for my dad Saturday, as the weather is good enough now for his ashes to be put into the stone. I've been upset about some family things going on, as well as having a bunch of emotions all churned up again thinking of his death, missing him more again---hopefully after Saturday I can get a handle on things again.
I am hearing... Dudly Moore narrate as "Spin" on one of the kids' National Geographic dvd's.
Around the house... so much to do, and I'm ignoring it right now; can't focus.
One of my favorite things... chocolate with nuts and raisins. yum!
A few plans for the rest of the week: do an Avon order, run some errands, maybe visit my sister, and hopefully spend Friday with my brother and his wife who will be up from Texas for the weekend. Then get through Saturday. And on Sunday, we rest!
We had a wonderful Memorial Day. We spent Sunday night at my mom's, so we didn't have to get up so early to be at the parade by 9:30am. We met some family there, and watched the parade with them. A typical small town America parade, with fire trucks, boy scouts, little kid church groups, and one high school marching band. Then to the cemetery to hear some short speeches. Unfortunately, I was not thinking, and we did not get close enough to hear well, so my boys were distracted; there were lots of people just talking/chatting around us, so that made it even more difficult to hear. Next year I will remember that we need to get really close to the speaker so we can hear them. I want them to understand how important Memorial Day is, and how we as a family celebrate it.
After that we headed out to one of Mom & Dad's favorite spots: Hunt's Pond. They used to go there quite a lot when they lived in New Berlin, which is not far from there. It's beautiful, and I took some pictures, but I've not had any luck posting them here (drat!) We were much farther away (I didn't realize just how far it was) but it was worth it to go. Mom had not been there since Dad died, and it brought back a lot of good memories for her. We packed a picnic lunch---everything we needed . . . except something to make a fire with: no matches, no lighter, no charcoal, no nothing. Well, Mom and DS2 went "next door" to the next camp site to borrow matches, and then I had the boys gather small sticks to start a fire. We used dried leaves instead of paper, and used just one paper napkin to get it started. It was quite windy, so it took several matches before we got it started. But what memories we made! The boys each roasted a hot dog on a stick. Thank goodness my mom brought a roll of aluminum foil: she made a tray out of it to cook the burgers on, as the grill part in the fire pit was far from clean. We kept the fire going for a while after we were done cooking, just for the warmth. I haven't had so much smoke in my face in years.
We brought the fishing poles, so Kenny and the boys fished. DS1 caught 3 fish---he was so proud! They were no bigger than the palm of your hand. When he caught the first one Kenny said it was too small and he should throw it back. Well, his face just fell. My mom said she'd be happy to eat it, so we kept it. We left all 3 with her, and I talked to her today and she said she'd cleaned them and they were very good---all 6 bites. She's such a good sport!
Even though it was 70* and sunny, there was a stiff breeze coming off the water, and Mom and I got real chilly. We finally left the fellas to their fishing and we went and sat in the truck. Much better! It was nice to have a chance to chat without interruption, too.
By the time we got home I'd discovered I had a nasty sun burn on my forearms and my thighs just above the knee. My arms are the worst. Very, very sore! But it was such a good day, it was worth it. The thing is, I remembered to bring the sun screen---had it right in my purse the whole time---I just didn't remember to put any on anyone. It was so chilly, I didn't think about sunburn. I think it must have been while we were watching the parade, as once we got to Hunt's Pond we were not in direct sun much.
So we came home tired, but happy, with lots of good memories.
FOR TODAY Monday May 18, 2009...
Outside my window...it's a gray, cloudy, cool day. yuck.
I am thinking...how pleased I am with the Freebie of the Day today---there is a short biography of Peter Cooper, inventor of the train. My boys love trains, so this is great!
I am thankful for... receiving our state tax refund---it allowed me to pay a stack of bills, and gave me the pleasure of paying a bill the day it came in the mail, rather than having to wait until payday as I usually do. I enjoyed that.
From the kitchen... I am being paged to please make pancakes. blah. I don't much care for pancakes, and don't particularly like making them, either. But I don't do it too often, and today seems like a good day for it.
I am wearing... my favorite grey oversized sweatshirt, navy sweatpants,and two pairs of fuzzy socks. The furnace is running---it's supposed to get into the 80's on Thursday, but it's downright chilly today.
I am going... to pick a day to go see my mom this week. Other than that, we have no plans to go anywhere---how lovely!!
I am reading... Better Late Than Early---I've not been reading it much, and it's due this week.
I am hoping... to get the livingroom picked up and vacuumed today, then the diningroom.
I am hearing... the boys building something that involves a ramp for their wooden trains. They are touchy today, as they were yesterday; not sure what's up with that.
Around the house... I did a good bit of shopping last week, so the cupboards are filled---I love that, knowing we have lots to eat. Too bad I don't enjoy cooking more. DS2 said this morning, "Too bad we don't have a chef, Mom." Amen to that!
One of my favorite things... chocolate covered macadamia nuts. I found some last week and bought them as a special treat. yum!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Avon order due Tues or Wed., so must make a couple of calls to customers prior to that; need to return that library book on Thursday; still working on my de-cluttering project around the house; baseball for the boys on Saturday; probably a visit to my mother-in-law this weekend.
Today we went to Climb, Honk, and Explore day at a Christian school near our Gramma's house. It was a fund-raiser for them, and a great time for us. There were many big trucks and construction equipment there that the kids could climb on, sit in, and honk the horns. The crane was DS1's favorite---we went back for the third time just before we left. It was attached to a big pick up truck, and the boys got to operate the crane to raise the front of the pick up truck up. What fun! There was also a very big tow truck, a fire truck, an ambulance, a cement truck, a semi, a flatbed, several tractors, and probably more that I forgot to mention. They also have a lovely playground, which I think DS2 enjoyed as much as he did the trucks.
Unfortunately, I've not been able to upload any pictures here---grrrrr. I will try again later.
