A New Year Upon Us....

With the New Year ever so close, it is definitely a time of reflection. 2010 has been a horrible year emotionally, which oddly enough all began in December 2009, okay, I can't say it all began then, but the spark was lit. A few relationships have dissolved and so I think it is time for a new start.
I'm good with my insights/intuition of people, I've always been good at reading people and for that reason, I've been careful with who I allow into my circle. And for some time I have not followed my intuition...which to some extent has left my guard down and for me to fall into the situations I've been in and the "anger trap." Ah, yes, let's just say I fell into this one too many times this year. A lot of it is stress, there are times when I definitely feel like my own life is in disarray, not all the time, but sometimes and sometimes I feel like my hubby doesn't hear/see me and so it is easy to just go on, so I stop opening up to him.
However, you can't really grow or move on to a new start till you recognize and deal with your own faults and I can't believe I'm doing this, but hey I want to move forward, not backward, so here it is :

1. I don't recognize how sometimes I can come across to others - I've definitely been told that I can seem "cold or harsh"
2. I can be dismissive
3. I can hold people to high expectations/standards...this applies to myself too, I'm often harder on myself than others
4. I sometimes focus on the details rather than the big picture
5. I have an intense temper, when pushed to that level and I can be cutting
6. It is very difficult for me to relax, something I've dealt with all my life...I'm tense
7. I tend to hold grudges...I may forgive, but I definitely hold grudges unless it has been years and then I've just moved on
8. I have difficulty communicating my feelings to people I care about, I can do it easily with pen, but I can't seem to verbalize it
9. I can be stubborn
10. I don't handle stress very well, I internalize it
11. I don't let to many people get to close...hard to get to know
12. My feelings get hurt rather easily
13. Okay, this can go either way...emotional
14. For the most part, I'm a conflict avoider...I will hold my tongue because I don't want to cause any pain or hurt to anyone
15. I bottle my feelings up till I've had enough or pushed and so this ties into the above statement and number 5 and maybe even 7

And I'm sure there are more, but I think that is a good start...as I was writing the list, I wanted to take some off as I felt I could "justify" my behavior, but then I stopped myself because justifying it, is not facing it or dealing with it...so I forced myself to add it to the list. There are a lot of weaknesses and I think I would have a harder time coming up with strengths, but I will try.

1. I'm a good listener and will do what I can to make someone feel better or at ease
2. I'm empathic and concerned with others
3. I'm good at reading people and can pick up on things that may not seem so obvious to others
4. I can look at things from different perspectives...however this can also be a weakness
5. I'm not afraid of hard work, if I put my mind to something I will do it
6. I'm idealistic...this too can also be a weakness
7. I will sacrifice and do whatever is needed for my children/family
8. I'm a friend for life..my circle is small, but I will be a long-standing friend
9. I like to do things for other people
10. I will find my own way...I don't necessarily follow mainstream (also could be a weakness)
11. I'm a good negotiator
12. I prefer balance and harmony in my life

Okay, so my weakness out list my strengths....so what is next? Well, I need to work on the weaknesses and find a balance between the two. If I find myself becoming angry, I need to walk away, calm down and then re-enter. And I need to go to my old self thinking..that everyone has something to offer, even those that I have issues with, so what is next...

• feed and embrace the strengths
• face my weaknesses and seek to overcome them
• talk through my thoughts or discuss with someone
• take in everything - don't be dismissive
• when I become angry, I lose - work through the anger before expressing it otherwise I fall into the anger trap
• keep eye on big picture - if I find myself focusing on the details, take a step back and refocus
• be accountable for my actions
• be humble
• assume the best instead of the worse
• and last and probably the hardest of all....Relax

So, now that I've opened myself up and feel exposed to the world, I'm somewhat hopeful that I'm moving in the right direction. It's definitely not the easiest thing copping to your weaknesses, but I can't live with discord in my life and I need to find the balance. So here is to 2011, a new beginning to a better year!

"Life at any time can become difficult: life at any time can become easy. It all depends upon how one adjusts oneself to life."-Morarji Desai
"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."- Lao Tzu
"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." ~Benjamin Franklin

Is it already over.....

Ah, the joys of the Christmas season are fading behind as the stores fill with people returning, exchanging items. or taking advantage of the "after-Christmas" sales. We are picking up the glorious mess that is the aftermath of Christmas. And yes, Santa was good to the kids - my sweet pea received an art table that she can sit and draw, paint, or color. My little man received an electronic drum set with headphones, so he can bang away in the comfort of his room.
The kids were spoiled by all their grandparents and the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves. My little man, would say, "awesome, wow, this is great" as he would open his gifts. My sweet pea is quieter with her words, but would have a smile across her face.
We ventured to my MIL house on Christmas Eve and opened gifts there and the kids fell asleep on the way home. On Christmas morning, both the hubs and I waited for the kids to come running in our room to wake us, but that didn't happen. My husband did get up around 7:00 to check on the living room and to his surprise he found our sweet pea sitting underneath the Christmas tree admiring the magic of what Santa left behind. Surprisingly, she didn't touch a toy or present....no sure if I would have had that self-control at that age.
I asked her why she didn't get us up, and she said she was just enjoying it all. We have no idea how long she had been sitting there by herself. I told her that on Christmas day, she can get us up any time she wants. We had to wake up my little man, he definitely enjoys his sleep, but he was excited to be as he stepped out in the living room.
Once we opened up presents, we had our Nerf war - it was fun and filled with laughter, except for the moment when I got hit in check with one of the foam darts, it is good those are made with foam.
‎And since we had decided on staying home for Christmas dinner, we ended up having brunch, so we made omelets, crepes, fruit, cinnamon rolls and bacon of course. The kids enjoyed the brunch and then my FIL stopped over for a visit. The kids were excited to see Grandpa and Grandma, especially since they didn't know they were coming. We played games and then later that evening we stopped over at my parent's house to exchange gifts and have dessert.

It was a long day and the kids were quickly fell asleep once we got home. It is almost sad that people go to so much work during the month of December and in a flash of a day it is over. Well, I hope everyone here had a wonderful Christmas like we did! May your New Year be blessed!


"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly. " ~Andy Rooney

Pay it Forward

So, the hubby and I did some last minute shopping while my dad watched the kiddies. We were on our way home, when we stopped for a quick bite at Arby's. We pull to the drive-thru window and the worker tells us that the lady in front paid for our sandwich and to wish us a Merry Christmas!
There was no one behind us to pay it forward and there was no one in line, so we will definitely be paying it forward tomorrow while we are out.
As we were heading home, I started to cry and my husband asked me what was wrong. I simply couldn't believe it, I know it was only a burger, but I've never been the recipient of random acts of kindness from a stranger.
Granted, I've done it several times, but never have I expected it to happen to me, so I was completely caught off guard and was simply touched by her kindness to a stranger...or shall I say, "Christmas spirit."
We can't wait to go out tomorrow, just so I can find the opportunity to do the same. She really made my night!
So thank you kind stranger...it is much appreciated!


"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~Aesop

Are You There Christmas Spirit...

Yes, Christmas is only a few days away and as I was finishing up some of the “homemade” gifts, my hubby asked who those all were for. I told him and to him I know it is not his thing, but I enjoy it and we ended up having a conversation about things and I got a bit bummed about it. Now I have debated on whether or not to give these out to everyone I planned or to those who I know would appreciate it or not at all.
So, last night as I was reading bedtime books to the kids and we were talking about our nativity set, who was who. The kids were asking questions and so we read a book about the birth of Jesus. Then we read the Grinch who Stole Christmas and as the kids drifted off to sleep, I thought where is my Christmas Spirit, do I have Christmas spirit and what exactly is it?

Is it the person who is most festive? The one who outshines everyone with their gifts, their tree, the cards they send out, ornaments, and such? Is it the holiday songs, the giving and receiving as you break your bank account, spending it with family and friends, baking or all of it combined? Do you go about your day a little happier or hopeful? Is it putting differences aside for a day of celebration? Or is the warm fuzzy feeling you get inside, like when you look at someone you love?
If you take away the ribbons, the packages, the trees, and all the other glittery things, what is left? Is Christmas Spirit something that stays year round or only during the holidays? Can it be lost, forgotten, stolen?
I asked my son in the morning…what do you think Christmas Spirit is? He jumps up and down and loudly says,” it is Santa coming and a baby being born and giving stuff”…that is it and not stealing presents like the Grinch. His response made me laugh. I asked my little girl and she says, “it’s being with people you love,” her response made me smile.

I know that it can mean different things to people and perhaps there is no right or wrong answer. As with any holiday, Christmas has become so commercialized that where are the basics? I don’t feel like I’m any more cheery or festive during the holiday, besides saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to those around me. I do see some who are more festive and cheerful during this time of year, so I thought, do I just not have it or do I just not get it?

To me, Christmas spirit isn’t anything different than what should take place during the year…it’s being thankful for your blessings – what surrounds you, but again, I really don't know, I do like Linus' (from the Peanuts) explanation - perhaps that is it.

"Christmas is forever, not for just one day,for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself..."~Norman Wesley Brooks

Christmas Traditions around the World

While we were on vacation, we went to Epcot...the hubs had never really spent time there and neither had I, so we thought we would go and while we were their they were celebrating Christmas Traditions around the world.

We listened to Pere Noel (from France) talk about how the creche is the main focus around Christmas time with little santons that depicted not only the navitiy scene, but also local public figures, which I thought was neat.

He also held up a shoe with a name tag attached, which the kids looked puzzled about..."what does a shoe have to do with Christmas?" Pere Noel explained how the children in France leave shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts from Pere Noel.

It was fun listening to him and learning something new....I think it would be neat to experience Christmas somewhere different, perhaps someday.

I remember spending Christmas back in New Zealand with my grandparents and Father Christmas filled our pillowcases with treats and we continued that tradition in our family up till I was about 8 and then I believe someone sent us stockings with our names on them, so out went the pillowcases, which I completely forgot about till now. My kids have stockings, but I remember the excitement I felt as I carried my "huge" pillow case around the house filled with goodies (mostly fruit and socks). And yes, Santa was called Father Christmas and even now occasionally Father Christmas will slip out of my mouth instead of Santa, I will get a look from my little ones, but the kids have gotten used to it, most often he has become Santa. However, I do feel there is a bit of nostalgia attached to Father Christmas, but that could only be because it reminds of me of childhood.

Tomorrow is Winter Solstice and if you were not aware a rare event not seen in 372 years will occur early Tuesday morning. A total lunar eclipse coinciding with the winter solstice, pretty neat.

Our tradition is to make something for the animals (birds, squirrels, etc...) outside...last year we did the peanut butter/birdseed pinecones and I think this year we will do a garland with cranberries. As with any holiday, there are many traditions with Winter Solstice and our purpose in recognizing this holiday is to expand upon the different holiday traditions as well as family bonding. If you catch the luner eclipse...enjoy it, they are also saying there will be little meteor showers! I'm not sure if we will get to glimpse it or not...I hope so.

"Shall we liken Christmas to the web in a loom? There are many weavers, who work inot the pattern the experience of their lives. When one generation goes, another comes to take up the weft where it has been dropped. The pattern changes as the mind changes, yet never begins quite anew. At first, we are not sure that we discern the pattern, but at last we see that, unknown to the weavers themselves, something has taken shape before our eyes, and that they have made something very beautiful, something which compels our understanding." - Earl W. Count

Salt Scrubs and Seashells

Yes, I'm making Salt Scrubs as gifts this year....in the spring I made the Lavender Sugar Scrubs, so I thought I would try a salt scrub this time. The kids are helping me pour the salt and add the other ingredients. They are also taking their seashells that they collected and making christmas ornaments out of them. Each year for Christmas they make some craft to give out and they decided to make seashell ornaments, so that will be our project this weekend.

We are making two different kinds of salt scrubs...a Chamomile Salt scrub and a Rosemary Salt Scrub.
My ingredients are olive oil, sea salt (or epsom salt), and rosemary or chamomile, which I blended the chamomile with a touch of vanilla and it smells great. I can't wait to try them out!!!

Below is the blended chamomile

and the rosemary

And here is the finished Salt Scrub using the Chamomile

And here is the Rosemary salt scrub

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." ~Harlan Miller

Back Home

We went on a mini vacation and came back today...it was a fun filled trip. However, why is it that it takes so much planning and then in an instant it is over...poof..done.

We booked this trip back in August and so looking forward to it for some time, we used the hotel points the hubs had built up, which was great because we only had to pay for two nights during the entire time. This trip was part of the kids christmas present and they seemed to enjoy it. The weather was a bit chilly for Florida, but it wasn't snowing!

We went to Honeymoon Island and Tarpon Springs, which was great...we wanted to go to Caledesi Island, but the day we went it was pretty foggy and they shut down the ferry, so we couldn't get across.

The kids had fun playing at the beach and the kids asked all sorts of question when we looked for shells. We saw dolphins every morning from our room and the kids couldn't believe it. My sweetpea took her writer's workshop papers and wrote about what she saw and did for the day. My little man took his own spin on the writer's workshop papers and wrote letters. We visited some family while we were there, which is always nice and I even got to see an old friend from high school who is living down there now.

We collected several shells that we are going to make christmas ornaments from, the kids are also taking what they collected to their classrooms, so they can share their experience.

It was nice to have a whole week just spending it with the hubby and kids.

It's always nice to return home, but we went to the store to get some groceries everything seemed so mundane and blah. I don't know if it is because we returned home to snow or what the deal is, but we wanted to go back to the semi-warm weather, but alas it is back to reality for now.

"A vacation is like love - anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia." ~Author Unknown

Holiday Traditions

My kids have been learning about different holiday traditions at school. Most recently they have been discussing Chanukah. The classrooms made potato latkes and today I was a parent volunteer for my little man's class. I have never made potato latkes before, so this was even a new experience for myself and they were rather good, a bit bland, but good.
I have also picked up a couple different holiday books that focus on different traditions, tonight we read Hoppy Hanukkak and afterwards, my wee man says, "I wish we were Jewish."
And my sweet pea, says, "yea, me too, we could play the dreidel." And then she asked how we can become Jewish. Such simple questions, with such complex answers.
I told them that my great-grandmother on "nana's" side was Jewish, but that my nana was not brought up Jewish and so nana was not raised Jewish and neither was I.
Those that know me, know that we are not "practicing" a religion in our home, but we will raise our children to believe there is a higher spirit and to have a knowledge of faith. We want them to be respectful of every person, tolerant and loving individuals and to know that what you put out, comes back.
Will this cause confusion with my children? I don't think it will, but I'm no expert...we live in a diverse world and I want my children to appreciate that diversity, when they are adults perhaps they will find a religion that best suits them, for now I'm happy that they are curious about the different holiday traditions they are learning about. As a parent, I can't just say it...I too have to show my kids, our children aren't born hating others, they learn that behavior, so I try to remind myself..."if my kids were to only copy my behavior, is it something I would want them doing?"
It is easy to get caught up in our own world, but I don't want my kids to be ethnocentric - I want them to see that just because something may be different, doesn't mean that it is necessary wrong or right, but just appreciate the difference.
So, another holiday tradition that we will be adding is making potato latkes and if I can learn how the "how to's" of playing dreidel, perhaps that too. Our holiday traditions may be a mix of christian, wiccan, jewish, and more, but at least it will be interesting to say the least.

What holiday traditions will you be practicing this year? Feel free to share.....

"He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings..." - Buddha

"When Jesus Christ asked little children to come to him, he didn't say only rich children, or white children, or children with two-parent families, or children who didn't have a mental or physical handicap. He said, "Let all children come unto me." - Marian Wright Edelman

Every little bit helps....

I came across this blog via a site I follow on Facebook...so I clicked on it and her story pulled at my heart. I simply find it tragic that someone can not only beat cancer, but survive and live life yet be "uninsurable." So any medical emergency becomes a financial burden and that is exactly what has happened to this woman.
She is a local business owner with a small toyshop in Valley Junction, a cute store with unique toys, I've been in there a few times for things.
It's the holiday season, everyone is strapped for cash and we are still paying for the medical bills from my little man's surgery last year as well as my emergency hospital trip, but I feel for this woman. I would hate to see her lose her business...so I made a small donation. It was very small, but I hope that every little bit helps and perhaps if enough people donate, she can cover the expenses.
If you would like to see her story click here

"For it is in giving that we receive." - St. Francis of Assisi

My little troopers....

My kiddies and I volunteered late this morning for a two hour shift for the Salvation Army. We rang the bell, wishing people a happy holiday. I wasn't sure if the kids would make the full two hours, but my little troopers did.
It wasn't as cold as it could have been and the sun was shinning so it was a great day to volunteer and my kids had such a fun time too.

My sweet pea danced as she rang the bell and one man said, "seeing her was worth a donation in itself." I would say that 95% of the people passing by donated something and just simply wishing people a happy holiday was heart warming. Now that I know the kids can do it, this will become another holiday tradition in our family. When I signed us up, I explained to the kids why we were doing this and my little man, said "can I give some of my chore money?" and so he put in two dollars.
It was a great day! It was easy to sign up too...if you are interested in becoming a bell ringer yourself, you can go to http://www.ringbells.org/ to sign up.

"Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls." ~David Thomas

Gratitude

Thanksgiving is upon us and we celebrated at home - it was a fun filled day/evening. I was quite surprised that most of our guest stayed well into the evening. There was plenty of food, desserts, and good company.

My parents came, as did my sister, my great Uncle, and a family friend. And it was just fun relaxing, talking, and sharing in the moment. And as thanksgiving leaves to make room for Christmas I thought what experiences have I faced since last year that I am thankful for? Well, my list is many things, simple, but many things. I'm thankful for my husband and children, of course, they are the spark in my fire of endless entertainment and laughter and what is a home if there is no laughter and joy? I appreciate the family/friends that surround my life, I may not always be the easiest person and I am thankful for those who support me in all aspects of my life versus those who pretend. And I'm thankful that I can really live...life is short and unexpected and I have come to a point where I know what I will and will not tolerate in my life. This year has been challenging and emotionally draining in many ways, but I'm thankful for those tough times because you realize who is a friend, you realize that sometimes no matter how hard you try sometimes things can't change, you realize what really matters, and that not all things are meant to have a place in your life.

It is easy to get sucked into the negative emotions and the WTF's, but at the end of the day - it really doesn't matter, life moves on, and the more you hold on to the baggage the heavier the burden is to bear. So, I look forward to the new year and leaving this year behind - lots of lessons learned.

Happy Thanksgiving...gobble, gobble!

"To Speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, To Enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to Live gratitude is to touch heaven" – Johannes Gaertner

We have eggs.....

The hubby went out to check on the hens and there were three eggs waiting for us, which is great because I checked about three days prior and there were none...so I'm pretty excited that we finally have eggs!

The kids made scrambled eggs with one of them and I think they were impressed that the eggs actually came from the hens....it really is a great demonstration of where your food comes from...the kids had heard us talking about it, but I think it finally sunk in when we got the eggs. So, it will be nice that we won't have to buy any and we will have fresh eggs...yeah for the hens!!

"The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it." - A. H. Glasgow

When we sleep...

does our unconscious mind try to tell us things in our dreams? The other night I dreamt of my Aunt Marilyn who just passed away and the dream was quite weird. In the dream, she knew that she had passed and we were sitting in a hospital chapel and I said what are you doing here...you are gone.
And she said, I'm waiting - I need to help them...I then woke up. So, in my dream I never found out who....strange dreams they are.
I've had dreams in the past of my grandparents who have died and I've always just felt that was their way of visiting me, but my recent dream just shook me a bit....

"The best thing about dreams is that fleeting moment, when you are between asleep and awake, when you don't know the difference between reality and fantasy, when for just that one moment you feel with your entire soul that the dream is reality, and it really happened." - Unknown

100 books galore and more....

I haven't been blogging lately...a lot has been going on lately...like colds, sinus infections, strep throat, and now the stomach flu...but nothing exciting to really blog about, until tonight....

We reached our 100 book goal...today is day 85 and we finished the 100th book tonight...in fact my little sweet pea read number 1-0-0...she read, May I Have a Cookie, we also read Hurry, Hurry, Have you Heard? and Happy Hanukkah!
The kids were quite excited that we reached our goal and the school is still having their book sale, so after school tomorrow they get to pick out a book.

I'm also pretty excited that an old friend from high school will be passing through and we are going to meet up this weekend. It's been 16 years since we've seen each other, we've always tried to stay in touch, but just recently reconnected after several long years, so I can't wait to see her. We have a lot to catch up on and when I thought of how long it has been I really couldn't believe 16 years....where does the time really go?

I also decided (in addition) to the consultant work I do during the day to become an independent Norwex consultant. The school was having a fundraiser and I had a party and fell in love with the products....I'm not good with home parties...I never have a good turn out, but so far things are going well. The products are really great and you can basically clean your entire house in less time with water...which I had been making my own cleaners for about a year and these can replace my cleaners, however, I still make my laundry soap.

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching....we were going to head to MN for Thanksgiving, but decided to stay home and the hubs is going to cook. He really enjoys preparing such a big meal and he does a great job. I found some great non-traditional recipes to add to the fare.

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes." - Charles Swindoll

Halloween move over, it's the Holiday Season

We couldn't have asked for better weather for trick-n-treat night, it was a mild fall night. The kids changed three times because they couldn't decide what they wanted to be....I'm really thankful that we have a handful of costumes aka "pretend dress up play" that we didn't need to buy any costumes this year. I was in the midst of making my sweet pea's costume (she wanted to be a peacock), but towards the middle of the month she decided she was just going to wear one of the "princess dresses" and my little man had already said he was going to be a superhero. ***Tip**** when the store costumes go on clearance, we typically buy one for each of the kids and either save it for Christmas or their birthday - they love playing dress up year round and they love getting stuff like that when they don't expect it.

Anyway, the kids had a great time, we only hit two streets. On one of the very last houses, I see this man hunched over in a lawn chair holding a candy bowl, I immediately knew what was going to happen, but before I could say a "peep" the kiddies ran over and thankfully he took it easy on them and only said "boo!"
They sure got a fright, but laughed so loud as the kids were leaving they shouted, "thank you scary man!" And really they don't see that - out of most of the homes giving candy out, maybe two or three were decorated or people in costume and it definitely could be that we happen to live in a neighborhood with more older residents than younger, but I remember growing up all the homes were decked out with scary decor and there were some I wouldn't even approach because I didn't want to get scared.
The kids ended the night only eating two pieces of candy and we had a great time with friends that joined us....it was a fun filled evening.
So, today after we hit the science center we quickly ran to the store and sure enough all the Christmas decor was out. My sweet pea looked at me and said, "when is Christmas, is it next week?"
Well not exactly! Do stores think the sooner they get the stuff out, the more things people will buy? If most are like me, by the time Christmas actually arrives, you are burned out from hearing the music and seeing all the holiday stuff that you want to hide.
I don't look forward to the holiday season in the slightest bit....I do think it is getting better now that we have children and children always think that season is a magical time, so I do find it getting better, but it's hard because we can't seem to make everyone happy, but besides running away for the holidays, I did bring it up with my husband as to what the plans were, which he said he wants to stay home again, so I think that is what we will be doing.
I did find some really great ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I'm hoping that I will have some spare time to work on these projects before the holidays.
One for Thanksgiving is making outlines of leaves and cutting them out - have the kids decorate them and then write one question on each leaf...such as "What are you grateful for, Which season do you appreciate the most, Is there someone at the table you have a reason to be thankful for, Is there someone not at the table you have a reason to be thankful for, and How do you show your thanks (gratitude)....."
So afterwards, you put the leaves in a bowl or jar and at dinner time, pass the jar around the table and each person takes a question and you answer the question. I know my kids will love this, they love when we ask questions at dinner time, so I knew when I saw this idea that it was something I'd love to do.
Last year, I had a jar and during the month of November we would write down things we were grateful for and on Thanksgiving morning, we read them.
The kids loved it so much, that afterwards the kids decorated a jar and turned into a thank you/wish jar - so we would write down things we were thankful for the day or a wish. My little man of course is just beginning to write out letters and such, but he would sit at the table and draw a line and tell me what he was writing. I think what they enjoy the most is looking back and reading what they write and of course when I get to the "lines," I simply interpret and then ask my son "is that what it says?" to which he will either say I'm wrong or right.
I also got some great DIY gift ideas that I'm excited to try out. And one of my goals this holiday season is to host a cookie exchange, I wanted to last year, but didn't get around to it, so I'm hoping this year to do it...so we will see how that goes.

Hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween!!!!

"Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight, make me a child again just for to-night!" - ~Elizabeth Akers Allen

Book Challenge Update....

Well we have hit day 60 and we have been in super charge mode and are up to 75 books...so 25 books left in 40 days....I think we can do it!!!! The kids were so excited to hear what we hit and I told them that as long as we hit that challenge, we will have a "shopping" spree (up to two books) to the bookstore.
I've order some books already for Christmas and have a couple more that I want to order via the kid's scholastic book order, but these are books that I pretty much pick out that I want the kids to learn, such as I'm ordering a Hanukkah book, a book about the meaning of "Christmas," and then there is a book about what's in my body and I also am ordering "The Story of Ferdinand" I loved that story growing up.
So when we go to the bookstore, they get to pick out any book, which I'm sure one will be on superheros and the other on princesses....oh the life of a child!
Once we are done, I'll take a photo of all the books we've read to get a visual...so far it's been hard seeing all these books laying around.

"He liked to sit just quietly and smell the flowers.” from Ferdinand the Bull

A Wasted Vote.....

I think not....the elections are drawing near and so you see all the negative ads and why the Democrats are better or why the Republicans are better, but neither is really addressing the issues or taking responsibility for their outcomes, especially if it is an unfavorable one.
You hear excuses like, "well I could have done it better had (insert political party) not stomped it" or "don't let (insert political party) in because they will destroy everything we've built, etc...etc...
I'm tired of hearing it, I'm tired of seeing it, I'm tired of it all. I hate discussing politics or religion with most people because what I have found is that it is usually the people who say they are "liberal" or "atheist" that will be the first to tune you out at the first signs of disagreement. I'm quiet and I don't make a lot of noise with my views, unless specifically asked, but I've observed this first hand and on more than one occasion. I'm neither Republic and I'm neither Democrat and therefore I stand behind those I believe will run the county, state, or federal government the best way while upholding the Constitution.
I'm open to listening to different views, hell, when different religious groups come knocking on our door, we don't slam the door. I listen to what people have to say because you never know when that will lead to something different or open your eyes and for that matter, change someone else because of the courtesy you have shown them by listening and they listening to you.
My ballot will cross party lines based on who I believe is going to do the best job based on what I've seen, read, and heard from sources other than mainstream media. I will be supporting Johnathon Narcisse for Governor because what he stands for aligns more closely to what I would like to see in this state. Will he win? Of course not, but I hope that he will get enough votes to shake things up and to get the attention that the people are tired of the same bucket of crap. Change starts at the bottom up and if the people don't demand change, then nothing will change. Is it so shocking that he wants to empower parents with regards to education choices or that it's blasphemy that welfare recipients should work (via community service or other) and get drug tested!!
So, I'm going to step outside of the box and vote for who I want, not who the lesser of the two evils are....

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Albert Einstein

"THE THOUGHT--To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common--this is my symphony." - William Henry Channing

Happy Anniversary

My parents celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary today! Congrats to them - wow - it seems like such a long time and it is!
My parents are an example of two people who despite having challenges, disagreements, fights and all that comes with marrying a man in the military; they have learned to work through those to build a relationship that can survive those hard times. The have fostered a relationship of love, compromise, laughter, and happiness.
I've seen the fights, but I've also seen the love and it's those that I take away from -that makes me want a relationship that can stand up to life's challenges and know that I won't walk away alone, but rather I'll walk away with my partner hand in hand.
So, I work hard at being a wife and proud to say that...too often I see other woman treat strangers better than they treat their own spouse (and it goes both ways men) and that is sad. I try to tell my husband that I love him everyday, I put him up on a pedestal to let him know how much I appreciate him. So what do I get in return, someone who loves me and tells me so everyday.
Now, granted neither of us is perfect and we all make mistakes and we have problems like any other couple, but what we have learned and try to do is to work together. Marriage is compromise and when there is no balance and one is constantly taking, it puts strain on the relationship.
So, will I be one to celebrate 33 years of marriage with my hubby? Well, I hope so, but I like to focus on the present and we are together today and that is all that matters!

Happy Anniversary MUM and DAD!!!! Love you much!!!! Here's to all those who've found their "one"

“I don't wish to be everything to everyone, but I would like to be something to someone." - Javan

Funeral, Family, and Life.....

As I posted earlier, my great aunt passed away....she lived a full life and will be missed dearly. Her funeral was today and the service was nice, the priest kept calling her Mary, I couldn't tell if it was his accent in trying to pronounce Marilyn, but towards the end, it got better or I just heard it as it was...And as I imagine, the service was exactly how she would have liked it to be. The weather was perfect, the light from the sun cascaded on the multicolored window shooting specks of color in small areas of the church. As we gathered in the church, I would occasionally look around the room and realize that the death of one not only serves as a reminder of your own mortality, but also of those who are close to you.
I squeezed my little ones and the hugs you give are a little stronger and last a little longer. And your words are softer and kind. Life is unexpected and can't be predicted...and the moment you think you have it figured out, something happens.
Of course my children asked me questions, why did Aunt Marilyn die? Why were we at church? And why did they put her in the ground when heaven is in the stars?
And I answered as best as I could...family ties are strange in a way, our ancestors is what binds otherwise strangers together, it's the blood...the commonality of what runs through us.
And as I reflected on the dynamics of the family and how crazy all of us can be, it's a group of people I love and have wonderful memories.
Sitting in the back of my mind, is the little thought that things should be better than what has been going on....I have said that I can't force relationships and I want people in my life who want to be there - who shares the ups and the downs and the crazy inbetweens...that is what makes you stronger and binds you closer together. Granted some relationships can't be healed or fixed, but all I can do is put myself out there one final time....if it bites me in the butt well at least I did what I could and there is no shame in that.

"We seem to be going through a period of nostalgia, and everyone seems to think yesterday was better than today. I don't think it was, and I would advise you not to wait ten years before admitting today was great. If you're hung up on nostalgia, pretend today is yesterday and just go out and have one hell of a time." - Art Buchwald

"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Update: I did reach out and put myself out there, just saying that I think we should sit down and move past all the drama, how we were both guilty of acting in inappropriate ways, but at this point, not interested in discussing anything, moving past this yes. I can't force anything and I won't - I don't know how to move past anything if we don't discuss the issues we have, so if the time comes when and if she is ready to move forward and actually discuss things, I will be there.

Early Education forum

I received an email yesterday inviting me to attend an early education forum at the school...I think early education is important, so I went. The First Lady and Governor were there and it was the first of their "Milk Party" campaigns - it was not so much a forum, but a chance to tell us how grateful we should be for the current preschool grants and that if his opponent gets in office, the preschool grant will end.
Considering myself an independent and really not liking either of our candidates, I hate when politicians bash the other opponent, to me it comes off as tacky. I understand that the election is close, but seriously a forum to me is an exchange of ideas...he took questions/comments from two people in the room. It wasn't a forum and seriously if there weren't a campaign would he even be at the school?
The early education preschool grant for four year olds is a hot topic, some people feel tax money shouldn't be paying for preschool programs, but I think it boils down to how it is presented. First, it is referred to as the Universal Preschool Grant...well how does the state define "universal?" This can mean many things to different people and this is where the issues begin to rise...does universal mean free and available to all, does it mean affordable and available at reduced cost, or does it mean a subsidy or tax-break? And if tax money shouldn't be spend on preschool programs what about the tax dollars that is allocated for high school students to take college courses, you could make the same arguements.
We did get the preschool grant with both our kids, however, I knew nothing about the grant until the school informed us of it and all they said, was fill this form out - it is a first come, first serve basis and how it was explained to us was if your preschooler went 1/2 time then tuition was free, if your preschooler went all-day then you paid 1/2 of the tuition. So I am a supporter of this program, not because my children were able to partake, but because I believe that early education is important, it gives children a boost in their self-confidence, what they are learning, and so much more.
The montessori trainer gave the Governor a book on the Montessori philosophy and studies and mentioned that early education is not just in jeopardy, but that education as a whole and that montessori could answer and fix some of the issues, but no one listens....I hope he reads the book.
Studies show that a montessori education leads to children with better social and academic skills and children who come out of a montessori education are 96% more likely to graduate high school....the wait list at the school is two years. Doesn't that say something...that more and more parents want this type of learning for their children, but again the state isn't listening otherwise if they were, there would be more montessori schools.
My faith in the public school system has dwindled every year and why do I love the montessori philosophy? Because it focuses on the classical view of learning...that people learn from what they are doing...key word....doing.
The official theory of learning that most public education is built upon focuses on memorization, drills, exercises, tests and that you're not learning unless you can be seen working and not to mention that instead of our children learning they come home learning what they are NOT good at...it is a self-esteem breaker.

The montessori school provides opportunities to learn everything that is around the student, my sweet pea can tell you every part of the apple...not because the teacher read a book, but because every student took in an apple and everyday they did something different from washing, to peeling, to cutting, until the last day of the week when they made applesauce. My children love telling me what work they are doing, what they have learned and coming home to show me....that is learning and by starting at a young age it fosters that sense of empowerment and love for learning early on, which I think is important. Is montessori for everyone, probably not, but I think it would be a whole lot better if more schools began practicing under this philosophy.

Okay...off my soapbox for now.....

“Neither comprehension nor learning can take place in an atmosphere of anxiety." - Frank Smith

Day 47 of Book Challenge

Update 10/18/10: Day 53 and we are now on 58 books....not much more to go!!!!

I thought I would update our book challenge....we haven't been good about keeping track on a board, but I have been keeping track myself.
We are on day 47 and we have read as of tonight 41 books....so we have 53 days left to read 59 books....I think we can do it especially if we read four books like we did tonight. My wee man checked out a book from the school library a book we really enjoyed, the message is great and I think I will put this on our wish list of books. The title is "Cat, you better come home" by Garrison Keillor, it was such a fun book and the illustrations are great....my favorite line from the book is "If other cats could only know to hang their hats on the status quo, and make the best of what they've got, And to be who you are and not what you're not." I think it's a subtle, but important message to children.
We also read "Colors, the rainbow of the natural world," "The Great Toy Escape" by Disney, and another recent favorite, "SkippyjonJones," by Judy Schachner. The kids really enjoy SkippyjonJones and it's such a fun book.
What are some of your favorite children's books?

"Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him." - Maya Angelou

Sorrowful News....

Well we were spending the evening downtown at the World Food Festival with our friends and as we were leaving, I checked my voicemail only to hear some sorrowful news. My Great Aunt had passed away, she had been in the hospital and she had died when they were doing a stint.
She was a strong woman, one who wasn't afraid to voice her opinion, she told it like it was and that is what I liked most about her.
I'm thankful that her and her husband spent Christmas dinner with us. And I will cherish the many memories I have, I still have the book she had bought me when I was 15. We were on one of our summer visits here and I was talking about how much I love various authors and then the next day she brought over "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan. She said she had just read it and thought it was a good book, one I would enjoy and I did. I ended up becoming a fan of Amy Tan and read lots of her books since that time.
So thank you for all the great moments, you will be greatly missed!!!! Family gatherings will not be the same without your presence. Love you!

"You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on."
- David Harkins

Missing the Roosters....

Well I had mentioned that we traded one rooster for a hen and then discovered that Shelle was a rooster, so we traded him for another hen (same place) and I must admit I'm missing the roosters.

I really didn't think there would be a big difference, but these hens are messy chicks and I went out the other day to clean up their coop and make sure there was plenty of food/water and the little buggers pecked at me.

Our roosters were so much more friendly and would come out when I would call out, but again we did raise them from chicks whereas these were not, but still, no need to peck at me. Hopefully these new chicks will get use to us and stop being meanies or else I'll be leaving everything up to the hubbers. No eggs yet....waiting patiently....

Anyway, here is a photo of the hens...the brown one is Sunburst or Rosie (whichever name comes to sweetpea first) and then the golden one is Shelle the II...my little man wanted to keep the name, so we did.

“The hens they all cackle, the roosters all beg, But I will not hatch, I will not hatch. For I hear all the talk of pollution and war As the people all shout and the airplane roar, So I'm staying in here where it's safe and it's warm, And I WILL NOT HATCH!" - S. Silverstein

Fairies Welcome

and pixies too, but no mischief making! My sweetpea drew a picture of a fairy house and asked the hubs if he could built it. So, he found some extra wood from a previous project and we went to the Dollar Tree and made a nice little fairy house.

I think the hubs and I had more fun then the kids did, but in total the project was about $4.00 - not bad for some cheap entertainment. The kids made a little table and put a bed in there as well and decorated the wall with stickers.

Since we will be going into Fall/Winter we will keep the house inside until Spring and we'll make a little fairy garden, so it will give us something to look forward to and we can collect various things for the fairy garden.

"Come cuddle close in daddy's coat. Beside the fire so bright, And hear about the fairy folk, That wander in the night." - Robert Bird

The Pledge....

My little man came home from morning PreK and explained how this morning they didn't say the pledge of allegiance. I asked why and he said his teacher was out sick and the new teacher didn't know, but he went on to say that saying the pledge is his favorite part of the morning. And so I ask him...do you know the pledge?
And he places his hand over his heart and begins to say the pledge of allegiance....I was quite impressed he knew it all (perhaps I do have a little politician on my hands...he has all the presidents memorized, his favorite is Abe Lincoln, and now he tells me his favorite part of the day is reciting the pledge...hmmmm).
He makes my heart melt sometimes that little boy of mine...and today he was circling books that he wanted from the Scholastic book orders and as I was watching him, I thought where did the time go?
Again, it was a moment I wanted to pause, I just listened intently to him talk about how his classroom has this book, but we didn't and that it was a really great book that he wanted to add to our collection. Then he talked about the book he "checked out" from the library and I said we have this book and he said, "I know, I just like it that much."
And it's at those times when I realize that my life can be hectic, crazy, a raving madhouse at times, but in the end it means nothing because I have two of the best kids ever and one hell of a husband.

"love life, engage in it, give it all you've got. love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it” - Maya Angelou

Who says candy doesn't grow on trees.....

I found some cute halloween decor ideas in a magazine at my mum's house. We made one of them today...it is our Candy Corn Tree.

What you need: candy corn (of course), a few tree branches, a vase and a glue gun

It was pretty easy to assemble, just put your branches (take leaves off) in your vase and arrange. Then pour the candy corn in the vase. Take the glue gun, put a small amount on a piece of candy corn and stick to various limbs on the branch. My mum had bought the kids some halloween sun catchers that they painted, so we added those to hang on the tree. They enjoyed helping and eating the candy corn.

Pretty easy, just be careful with the glue gun - it is hot and sometimes messy.

We haven't made the second project yet, but it is a candy corn wreath - I loved the picture we saw and I'm thinking that will be our project next weekend.

We'll see how long that candy corn lasts in the vase....I told the kiddies that they couldn't eat it, but we all know how that is.....

"Well, that's nothing compared to the fury of a woman who has been cheated out of trick-or-treats." - Linus from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Coming to a Close.....

Well my work on the WIC project is coming to an end, I worked with some really great people and I think we turned out a great course. We met our deadlines and I made my "acting" debut, but the only way to see it is to actually take the course. It definitely gave me a greater appreciation for actors/actresses - I don't know how many times I messed up one simple sentence.
It was a great experience and opportunity - I enjoyed the work and it was nice to have my hands/mind working on something different. The course, "Cross-Cultural Communication & Nutrition Assessment" went public this week, so it is available for people to complete via http://www.prepareiowa.com or for a quick scan about the course, you can check out this flyer.

I'm glad I was able to offer my assistance and had a hand in shaping.....Thanks IPHP!

"I'm a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other, and how they can achieve the kind of freedoms that they're interested in." - Bill Gates

Eyes so filled.....

So last night we got to bed later than normal. When we picked the hubs up from work, we had to take Auroara to a new home on a farm in Adel. I think he (the rooster) will enjoy being surrounded by so many other chickens. We didn't ask, but he traded us one of his laying hens and so we now have a new chicken, which my sweetpea said she will name it either Rosie or Ms. No Cone...hmmm wonder where she gets it. (to be continued.....)

Any who...we only read one book each. And as I'm reading, I will point to a word and have the kids tell me what it is, so last night I was doing that and my sweet pea was sounding the words out, etc...
I would gradually increase the word to two words, then three, and then a sentence...and her eyes filled up with such a joy that it must of clicked in her brain, that she was reading! It took us about 30 minutes to read "May I have a Cookie," but I knew that this was a moment she would remember forever.
She was so proud of herself as were me and the hubbers. We then read, "Put me in the Zoo" by Dr. Suess and my little man would read the "zoo" part and some other words. He definitely likes to follow his big sister, so he was equally proud that he was trying to do the same thing, I think he will probably be reading soon too.
This morning she said she was going to tell her teacher that she read and I told her she should, she should be proud of this moment. Granted my sweet pea could read several words, but she never attempted to read a book and I was so proud that she didn't give up, she stumbled on some words, but she continued to try, it was a great moment.
I remember the first time I read, it was "Where the Wild Things Are" and I was at the library with my sister and her friend, Melanie. Melanie was reading the book to me and was helping me, and like a little bulb that went off, something clicked and suddenly I understood what all those letters meant. And suddenly, the world got a little bigger that day and I remember all I wanted to do was read as many books as I could. I'd come home from school, go to my room and my books had a newness to them.

And then back to the chickens...this morning at sunset...I hear crowing...and I think, no that can't be...we just got rid of our rooster? So I get up and run to the window...and there is Shelle...crowing....that's right, we had two roosters, but what I'm thinking (and granted I know nothing about chickens) Auroara was the dominant one and therefore Shelle didn't crow (as I do know chickens have a pecking order). Now that Auroara is gone, Shelle is the head honcho, however, Auroara would crow in midafternoon....so I told the hubs to call the guy and find out if he wants the other rooster....no wonder we weren't getting any eggs...we had two roosters!!!!

"To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark." - V. Hugo

"We read to know we are not alone." - CS Lewis

Another day of firsts....

Today was my little man's first day of PreK, he has been waiting patiently for this day since my sweet pea started. He had his clothes picked out for the last two weeks and his bookbag hanging by the door, so when he awoke this morning he was super excited. Daddy made him his favorite breakfast. When we walked in, my sweet pea grabbed her little bro's hand and walked in with him, it was the cutest. We waited with him by his locker and then his teacher opened the door and my little man walked in and didn't even give us a last look.
When I picked him up, he didn't want to leave! I'm happy that he had such a great first day, but again it is a bittersweet moment for me. I held it all together till I got home to our empty house and realized that there is no noise...just quiet and then I had a little cry. The last of my babies is off into the world of school.
The other first today was my sweet pea lost her first tooth, it was one of her bottom teeth and it will probably show in her school pictures. She was so excited, comes running to me, "Momma...look, look at my tooth!" She had been wiggling it everyday since it became loose and she ate an apple for her snack when she came home, so I think she had been trying to get it out. So the tooth fairy will be paying us a visit tonight....Nana took her to get a little tooth pouch when it first became loose and so she has it in there. So, what do you do with those teeth? Does the tooth fairy save them or throw them away?
I think the tooth fairy will leave a little more this time around because it is her very first tooth, but it won't always be this way.

"And by and by Christopher Robin came to an end of things, and he was silent, and he sat there, looking out over the world, just wishing it wouldn't stop." - Winnie the Pooh

Why does it have to be this way.....

I'm upset and I here I pretend to be okay, that it is okay when it is not, that I'm really laughing when I'm really crying. I don't know what else to do, minding my own business doesn't seem to work, so I'm really just dumbfounded.
All I know is that this isn't what I wanted - I would like to settle things because I'm not good with conflict or tension, but both have to be willing to meet halfway and unfortunately I don't think that will happen. My intuition is pretty good and I've ignored it several times because I hope things will change and it doesn't. No one wins in this fight and for some reason I guess I'm the only one who sees that.
And as I write this, it reminds me more and more of the Paradoxical Commandments by Kent Keith, I posted them once before, but I think now is a good time for a refresher and reminder....

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

It can't be Fall yet....can it.....

Our windows are open and there is that distinct smell in the air....you know the one you can breathe in, feel it and just know.....Fall is near. It seems too soon really and I'm not quite ready - do I feel this way only because the summer seemed to slip away before my eyes?
We were at the farmer's market and as we were walking my sweet pea stopped suddenly and grabbed before her toes a red leaf. She held it high up in the air and said you know what this means....the leaves are falling, so it's fall....HALLOWEEN!!!!
Yes, indeed the leaves are changing, but I can't shake the feeling that it just seems to soon - I wouldn't mind the cooler weather, but I don't want winter to come...I'm not at all ready for winter. So, Fall, if you could please stay with us and linger here with warmer days and cooler nights, I would so appreciate it, you did seem to kick our a** this past winter, so you kind of owe it to us...don't you think....
Fall is my favorite season and you just may find me....
sweeping the acorns and gathering acorns
taking nature walks to look at the changing leaves
wearing sweaters with shorts
roasting marshmallows
getting out my Halloween decor
melting old crayons
making piles of leaves
drinking hot tea (well that I do in any season)
drinking hot cocoa or hot apple cider
making/eating chili
playing

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." - John Muir

Now that's a challenge....

Update 9/10/2010: We have read 10 books thus far, so we have 90 books left....last night I read "Someday" by alison mcghee and peter reynolds and I swear everytime I read that book I cry. It's such a sweet and touching story...it is a definite "must" addition to any child's book collection. "Someday you will call a song to the wind, and the wind will carry your song away...." it's simply a lovely book.

We were getting ready for bed the other night and as I was laying with the kids, they were talking about when we read at bedtime and they typically get two books each, so four books at bedtime. My little man says, "you know momma let's read 100 books" and then my sweet pea added, "in 100 days." So I said, "let's do it!"
The kids giggled and thought I was being silly and I told them we will make it a challenge and see if we can read 100 books in less than 100 days (we are only counting bedtime stories). I think it will be a great family challenge and we will make a list of the stories we read....will we reach 100 books in 100 days? The kids were super excited that they came up with the idea.
Daddy said that he was so impressed with their idea that if we finish the challenge he will take them to the bookstore and they can pick out five new books....and considering that the kids love books....I think this will be an easy challenge, but who knows. The kids were worried at one point and my little man says, "but mommy tomorrow is Movie Night Friday, we won't get to read a book..." and I said, "well we can add a book before we start the movie." They both liked that and I was just happy that they want to add reading to movie night. My kids enjoy books and reading time, but anytime I can get more in or make it seem more exciting, is an added bonus.
I enjoyed reading as a child and have numerous favorites and when I get the time I still love picking up a book and getting lost.
So, if interested here was what we read tonight.....
Day 1: "Rainbow Fairies" by Charles Reasoner and "Lilo & Stitch: Doggone It, Stitch" from Disney's Bedtime Favorites (2 down and 98 books to go)

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss

A Opportunity at Hand.....

My husband learned yesterday that he was chosen to become a part of a young professionals group study exchange to travel to New Zealand for 30 days to study and observe his profession (environmental science) in New Zealand, he will learn and share best practices, network with other professionals in the same field. The program is sponsored by the Rotary Foundation and he had to obtain local sponsorship and then was interviewed by a 10 person panel.
I'm so proud of him! I will miss him greatly and have no idea how I will manage with two little ones while he is away. I think the longest we've been apart is two weeks, so this will be entirely new for us, but it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. I think it will definitely give him an idea as to whether or not he likes living in New Zealand because he will be there for a month. We will communicate via Skype and if there happens to be any great deals on flights, who knows maybe the kids and I will surprise him, but he will be busy the entire time, so even though the trip is sponsored, it is not a vacation.
I'm a firm believer that if something is meant to be, doors will open and I knew the moment I saw the posting for this opportunity that he would get it. I don't know how I knew, but I did and I had second thoughts about showing him because (selfishly he is returning to my home country without me and he is going for 30 days), but I knew better. And alas the door opened. After he got the call and told me, I happened to pull out the change in my pocket and I have no idea how it got in my pocket, but mixed with the change were two New Zealand coins....if that isn't a sign that good things will come of this, I don't know what is! Congrats my love! I'm so super proud of you, ROCK STAR!!!!

“Life's up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals - Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want" - M. Sinetar

Don't tell anyone, but I'm really a fairy....

Yes, as I was driving I hear a small whisper in the back, "Bubba, don't tell anyone.......but I'm really a fairy....I'm just waiting for my wings," says my sweet pea. "How do you know?" responds my little man. "Because I asked the magic 8 ball," my sweet pea says in a matter-of-fact way.
I had to laugh so hard....I love listening to them and their imaginations play out like that and I know that in time that will slowly disappear.
I had a wild imagination and I love that my kids have one too, with your imagination you can go anywhere, be anything.
This week has been a "first" for my sweet pea...she started Kindergarten and had her first day of school and now she has her very first loose tooth! I can't believe she is loosing one of her baby teeth, she is growing and growing fast. I know I've said it before, but I really wish I could take these moments and tuck them away in my pocket.
As soon as I picked her up from school on Friday she says, "Momma guess what, it is the most amazing thing?" and I ask her what is going on. "You will not believe it, I was eating lunch and my tooth felt funny and I touched it and it WIGGLED! Can you believe it, my tooth WIGGLED!" "You know momma, what this means?" "The tooth fairy is coming!"
My little man will start Pre-K in about two weeks, he was pretty disappointed that he couldn't start when his big sister started, but he got to meet his teacher and his classroom is right across the hall from sweet pea's class, which is nice. He is pretty excited, he has his bookbag waiting on his door, his "new" shoes ready with socks tucked into them, and his new school outfit picked out. I'm glad he is excited, he is only going half-day, just like sweet pea did last year and I know he will have a great time, but it's bittersweet for me. I'm glad to see my little ones growing and developing and becoming these small little individuals, but I'm also losing my babies. Starting now, we will no longer be the biggest influence in their lives, at some point both will experience what it's like to be excluded or have their feelings hurt and they will learn about new things. They will forge new friendships and slowly begin to slip away. So savor your moments and enjoy the simple things.

"Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music." ~William Stafford

2922 days

is the number of days the hubs and I have been married or eight years. Eight crazy and wonderful years. Years one, two, and three were easy, four and five were somewhat trying as we were new parents and beginning to balance life as parents as well as each other. Six, seven, and eight have been good. Of course, we have bumps along the way, but every time I picture my life, it always includes my love.

What an adventure life has been with him by my side - he completes me in many ways. My sweet pea asked if I would be wearing my wedding dress tomorrow to celebrate, I told her no and she said, "well wouldn't it be fun to put it on and then bubba and me can be there." I had to laugh and told her perhaps I'll slip it on for her.

I definitely wish I could recreate that moment, our wedding was filled with so much fun, laughter, love and wonderful friends and family. I wouldn't say it was fancy, it wasn't filled with excess, it was simple with our personal touch from the very beginning to the very end. We've said we will do some big party for Year 10 - so two years to save and plan.

I asked the hubbers would he do it over again to which he said of course and in a heartbeat...several minutes later I asked, "are you going to ask me?" He laughed and said, "I know what you'll say...hellll noooo." I reassured him that wouldn't be the case....I'd do it all over again too, no changes. I love our life, what we've accomplished together, our family and what we've yet to do.

However, I'm waiting for him to honor some of those promises he made...not the "to honor, to love, to cherish," but our early retirement, sitting on a sandy beach drinking vino and watching our children grow, but I suppose we've got the rest of our life.

Happy "I'd do it all over again" Day!!!! I love you endlessly

It's really been a year.....

It has been a year since I donated my kidney to my mom. I can't believe it has been that long and indeed it has been a roller coaster of ups and downs as most who've read the blog know. I remember leaving the hospital hopeful, but disappointed thinking I had somehow failed. They try to tell you that it is not a guarantee and that after the surgery it may not take and you try to prepare yourself as much as you can, but I wasn't prepared to hear that the kidney wasn't working and I didn't accept it.
She struggled for months and then faced another battle with the Norcardia, both events were small miracles in themselves. And just a few weeks ago she went in for one of her monthly checks with the transplant team and her levels are just as low as a normal healthy person. The doctors are indeed pleased with her results as am I. Happy One Year Kidney Day to my mother!!! I love you endlessly and so happy things are working properly! It just wouldn't be our nature to have things go smoothly and that is what makes us who we are.

I don't typically post flyers and such on my blog, but because chronic kidney failure is an issue close to me and the screening for CKF is easy, I would like to pass this information on....If you are in the Central Iowa area there is a kidney screening that is upcoming. It is open to anyone who is over 18 and has highblood pressure, diabetes or has a parent or sibling with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease. Information on the event can be found here or call 800.596.7943 to pre-register. The screening will be held September 15, 2010 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the United Way Conference Center in Des Moines, Iowa

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman

And the rain, rain, rain, came down, down, down...

This year has been recorded as the wettest year and I would believe it. Thankfully, we are not experience sewage backup like we did in 2008, but I'm willing to guess that the new pipes the city installed have something to do with it. I'm pretty sure if they hadn't we would be experiencing something similar to 2008. We did get some ground water in our back bedroom of the basement, but I'll take that over sewage any day.

The creek went out of its banks and flooded the park by our house. It got hit pretty hard - I didn't see it at it's worst, but I did manage to get some photos. Other places had more water than we did and thankfully we've had at least two days of no rain (knock on wood).

Here are some photos of the park...

The picture below is the creek....

"And the rain rain rain came down down down. And the flood rose up up upper. Pooh, too, was caught and so he thought,"I must rescue my supper!" - Winnie the Pooh

Is it really almost over.....

Now that August has finally arrived it means the school season begins and thus the decline of summer. It has gone rather quickly, we took some small weekend getaways, but no big trips. My oldest will begin Kindy and my youngest will start PreK - both growing so rapidly and completely before my eyes.
My little girl looks forward to going back and seeing her school friends while my little boy is excited to meet new playmates.
I wanted to plan something for all my lady friends this month, but I don't know if that will happen. It seems like the day and months are flying by before my eyes, maybe in the fall I will get something planned.
The rest of the month will be busy, we will be celebrating the one year anniversary of the transplant surgery when I donated my kidney to my mom, I can't even believe that a year has past. She is doing great especially considering the start she had and I'm doing good, nothing has really changed for me.
The hubs and I will be celebrating our eight year anniversary this month as well....WOW...eight years, how time has flown and changed. Marriage is not easy by any means, it is full of compromise and changes. You have to be willing to compromise on both ends and at times I think the hubs and I have found a good balance. There are moments that are stressful and hard, but I couldn't imagine life any differently. We've created life together and shared dreams. I love this man completely and can't really believe it's only been eight years. I'm ready for our next adventures.

"Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it." — J.M. Barrie

Cousins

My cousin has been visiting from New Zealand, he leaves next Wednesday and it's been lovely having him visit. We went to Jasper Winery to listen to music and our friends (Jami and Jim) met us there, it was a great time catching up with all and chatting. Then he stayed over night with us and we chatted until the early morning hours (I saw the newspaper delivery guy) and watched the thunderstorm roll in. It's been ages since I've been up that late and considering my little ones would be awake in a few hours, we finally went to bed. I'm doing pretty well considering, but we'll see how that lasts later today.
We shared memories, talked about what's been going on since the last time we saw each other and just talked. The last time he was here in Iowa was 10 years ago, Darren and I had just started dating (7 months) and I was still in college.
I've seen my cousin on both trips we've made to New Zealand, but it's amazing how differently life has been through these years. We had a bbq for him last weekend and I invited a few friends and family over and last night, he said how great it's all been and how beautiful my life is (and it is). And it hit me, life isn't about those big moments or waiting for what's next, it's the accumulation of all the small, quirky, everyday stuff that give your life meaning and flavor. And my life is beautiful and full because of the people I surround myself with, my friends, my family, my children - those are the real relationships and I can't push relationships with those that really don't have an interest in our life.
It's nice to have him here and just spend that time with one another, I will miss him greatly when he leaves.

"Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa - Let us keep close together, not wide apart" - Maori Proverb

The chickens are growing....

They are huge, well compared to when we brought them home. We are still unsure if one is a rooster, there has been no crowing (at least none we can hear), but one is getting spurs on the back of it's feet and someone had told us that is indicative of a rooster. I'm hoping that he/she is not as both have seem to adjust to life with us. They let us touch them, pick them up, feed them and if they are inside their coop and I come outside and call to them, they come running out.

It's been quite fun having the chickens and I know that I would be a wee sad if we had to say goodbye to one.

The kids enjoy watching them and feeding them and although I know for sure that Yoder (our dog) would love to get at them, for the most part both dogs just seem to adjust to having them in the backyard. When we first put them in the coop, everytime they would walk outside to their pen, the dogs would bark at them, but the chickens have adjusted and so have the dogs.

Anyway....just wanted to post an update and new picture of Shelle and Auroara.

Yum, Yum

Updated: I made some more lavender cupcakes and this time used a buttercream frosting and by far this was the best! It was a nice flavor, the glaze seemed to make the cupcakes a bit much on the sweetness factor, but the buttercream was perfect combination. I will definitely be using buttercream for future attempts.

Well I finally attempted to make the lavender cupcakes. Anytime I am making a batter from scratch, it makes me a wee nervous because if you don't get it right, it affects the entire batter, taste, and look.
The recipe for the batter was surprisingly simple and they were quite good, there was just a hint of lavender, almost a softness, but they were delish.

The only thing I would change, is perhaps using a buttercream frosting instead of the icing glaze that was recommended. So, the next time I make these, which will definitely be again, I will use buttercream frosting.

Here is the recipe:
Ingredients for cupcakes

1/2 c granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
1/2 c butter (room temp)
2 eggs
1 c self-rising flour
2 Tablespoons milk

Ingredients for icing:

1 1/2 c powdered sugar, sifted
1 egg white
food coloring (purple or green)
12 sprigs of fresh lavender

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line muffin tin with cupcake liners
2. Put the sugar and lavender flowers in a food processor. Process briefly to mix
3. Mix the lavender sugar into a bowl with the butter and beat together until pale and fluffy
4. Beat the eggs into the butter mixture, one at a time, then sift in the flour and fold gently. Stir in the milk, then spoon the mixture into the muffin cups.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on your oven (mine took 15 minutes). The cupcakes should have risen and be a golden color
6. Let the cupcakes cool

Icing:

1. Gradually beat the powdered sugar into the egg white in a bowl, then add a few drops of food coloring
2. Spoon the icing over the cupcakes, then top each one with a sprig of fresh lavender or candy sprinkles. Let set before serving

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?" - Winnie-the-Pooh

I'm not gonna grow up.....

Isn't that how we would like it to be for our children? We went and saw Toy Story 3 and when we came home, I was watching my son play with his toy Buzz and I asked if he was going to take Buzz with him to college. He replied, "Nope, I'm not gonna grow up, I'm gonna stay your little boy forever."

And then a few days later, we were at the dinner table and he says, "Momma didn't you tell me that you don't want me to grow?" To which I said, "yes I did, but you know there is nothing we can do, you're gonna grow and become a big boy" and then he crosses his arms and in a matter of fact voice, says, "that's it I'm not eating any healthy foods so I won't grow!"

I love witnessing my children in action, their amazement and curiosity of the world. And as much as I would love for them to stay little forever, I love witnessing them grow. And I know the time will come when my children are grown, I will be reflecting back on all these moments and wonder where it all went. So until then I'm gonna savor my moments with them, enjoy their silliness (even though sometimes it drives me crazy) and enjoy being their mommy, because that too will one day simply become "mom."

"All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, ‘Oh, why can’t you remain like this for ever!’ This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end." — J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

So far, So good....

We've got week one down since implementing "chore" charts for the kiddies. I added up all their stickers and they each get $3.50 for the chores they completed. The kids absolutely love their charts and every day they are excited about doing most of them.
I did find my sweet pea putting a sticker on one item, which was "Picking Up," it was a few hours after breakfast and when I asked her why she put the sticker there, she said, "once I put the sticker there, I'm done for the day." I had to laugh and reminded her that is not how it works, but overall, they are doing great. They enjoy checking their charts to see how one compares to the other and if one of them has more, then they ask if they can do an extra chore to catch-up.
Not to mention that $3.50 isn't bad for a 4 and 5 year old, it makes me wonder if I should have tried this earlier, but they are probably at the right age for this. I think the nicest part is that it is giving them some responsibility, both have animal care and they take this pretty seriously. My sweet pea almost knocked over my little man as they were both trying to be the first to feed the dogs and cat. I told them that each one gets a dog and mommy feeds the cat and if we give extra food for the chickens then each one gets a chicken.
When the hubs informed them of how much they made this week, my little man said, "I'm going to "ToysRUs," I hope he can find something for under $3.50 because I'm not giving out any loans.

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one" - Dr. Seuss