My hubby is a hard worker, he is definitely driven. He learned this week that he was selected to be the President of Environmental Professionals of Iowa (EPI). I am so proud of him! I'm not entirely sure what his duties as President entails, but I know that EPI has a conference every year and there are several meetings, so I'm sure he will be busy.
I know my hubby is smart and talented, so it is nice to see that others recognize that in him too and I think there are many doors that will begin to open for him, if he chooses to open those doors.
So, here is to my wonderful husband! I love you so incredibly much and I am so proud of you! You are an amazing man and I'm glad that I can share this journey with you!
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own.And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.” - Dr. Seuss
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Inspiration all around....
I follow Megan O'Dea's blog where she posts the most creative projects that she is working on and I saw one on repurposed cabinets, which she found from another blog, titled My Repurpsed Life, which is another great blog. Seriously, who knew the things you can do with extra stuff around the house. I thought the idea was great and new that it would be something I would want to do, the next time I came around extra cabinet door. Well that chance came sooner than I expected.
The hubby has added a section of cabinets in our kitchen and we left the top two open, so we didn't need the doors, I told my hubby about the project and we had left over chalkboard paint from my little's man room and we decided to try it out. We didn't do any embellishments and kept it simple, the hubby used lag bolts as hooks and I think it turned out great. We have another door that we may do for my sweet pea's room and I thought I would do add some ribbons and stuff to that one, but here are some pictures.
Picture of the lag bolts we used as hooks
Picture of the finished project....
Thanks Megan for your creativeness, it is always inspiring!
“A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man’s brow.” — Charles Brower
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program
The newly elected governor has proposed cutting the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, which beginning next fall, I won't have any children in preschool, so it won't affect me, but I think he is making a mistake.
I've discussed this in my blog previous and I know there are a lot of people against the issue and doesn't think it should be supported, but before it is cut, I think there needs to be considerations as to what the Universal Preschool Program is and what qualifies a "preschool" to receive the funding.
The president of our school's parent group sent out an email asking parents to send in testimonies to legislators, I've sent lots of letters to legislators, senators, the governor on various topics. I not only support the preschool program, but I support a total restructuring of the schools, which I didn't touch on, but here is my letter that I sent.
This is in regards to the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program - I believe it will be a huge mistake in cutting the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, not because both of my children received this grant, but because early education is key to building a life long learner. I am a stay-at-home mother to two, one is in K and the other is currently in the PreK AM program at Cowles. If the grant was not available, my son would not be going to any PreK program because we would not be able to afford it. My husband works full-time, we do not qualify for any assistance programs because his income is higher than low-income levels, however, we struggle to make ends meet and the simple fact is it is because of this grant that my son is able to go. I work with my son on various learning components, but what he is learning that I can not teach is the social component of the Preschool program...he is learning how to share, how to cooperate with peers, how to take turns, and how to interact with other students as well as listening skills. The social skills a child develops at an early age is just as important and are critical in developing a healthy personality. When high-quality early-childhood is available this education can improve a child's economic and social outcomes over the long term and there are studies that prove this, which I highly recommend that all avenues are explored before cutting this program. Preschool programs play an important factor in building successful learners. 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 and what qualifies as a preschool program. 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? Also, what preschools qualify for the program? What are the standards? All of those questions need to be answered before you blindly cut this program. 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....those statistics are higher than the State of Iowa's graduation average. Please consider this decision and the ramifications it will have if it is cut.
There are a lot of public programs and I understand when money is tight, you need to evaluate all avenues, but I believe that education is key and we are not doing enough when it comes to preparing the children of the future. Would my children be successful without the preschool program? Yes and No...because I was a stay-at-home mom I have been able to teach them various things to prepare them for school, their ABC's, counting to 100, some basic addition, colors, shapes, etc...however, when my sweetpea started PreK last year, it took her five months to feel comfortable enough in the classroom with the other students. When I would drop her off, she would cry, she didn't want to go not because of the learning, but because she was unsure about this new environment and granted she was in a montessori school, so the teacher she had last year is the same teacher she has this year, so she didn't have to go through the adjustment periods of a new classroom. She was familiar with the routine and the expectations of the classroom and she could focus on learning.
My little man, had an adjustment this year, but he adapted a lot quicker than my sweetpea. He will still come home sometimes and ask, why so and so didn't want to play with him or why this or that happened, but when he enters the school year next fall in kindergarten he will also know the routine and expectations of his classroom. The students will be familiar and again, he doesn't have to have the anxiety that he experienced in the first few months of the school season, which is another reason why I really enjoy the montessori methods.
My sweetpea will enter 1st grade and enter a new classroom with a new teacher, but she will see familiar faces and she will have the new teacher till she leaves 3rd grade. My children already have a zeal for learning new things because it is something that we have made important in our house and their school is supplementing that thirst by the various activities the children learn. I am lucky that my children were able to participate in this program and really I wouldn't have known about it until the school made me aware of it, I only wish that the legislators take what has been presented and really evaluate the issues before blindly cutting the program.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." - Maria Montessori
I've discussed this in my blog previous and I know there are a lot of people against the issue and doesn't think it should be supported, but before it is cut, I think there needs to be considerations as to what the Universal Preschool Program is and what qualifies a "preschool" to receive the funding.
The president of our school's parent group sent out an email asking parents to send in testimonies to legislators, I've sent lots of letters to legislators, senators, the governor on various topics. I not only support the preschool program, but I support a total restructuring of the schools, which I didn't touch on, but here is my letter that I sent.
This is in regards to the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program - I believe it will be a huge mistake in cutting the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, not because both of my children received this grant, but because early education is key to building a life long learner. I am a stay-at-home mother to two, one is in K and the other is currently in the PreK AM program at Cowles. If the grant was not available, my son would not be going to any PreK program because we would not be able to afford it. My husband works full-time, we do not qualify for any assistance programs because his income is higher than low-income levels, however, we struggle to make ends meet and the simple fact is it is because of this grant that my son is able to go. I work with my son on various learning components, but what he is learning that I can not teach is the social component of the Preschool program...he is learning how to share, how to cooperate with peers, how to take turns, and how to interact with other students as well as listening skills. The social skills a child develops at an early age is just as important and are critical in developing a healthy personality. When high-quality early-childhood is available this education can improve a child's economic and social outcomes over the long term and there are studies that prove this, which I highly recommend that all avenues are explored before cutting this program. Preschool programs play an important factor in building successful learners. 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 and what qualifies as a preschool program. 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? Also, what preschools qualify for the program? What are the standards? All of those questions need to be answered before you blindly cut this program. 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....those statistics are higher than the State of Iowa's graduation average. Please consider this decision and the ramifications it will have if it is cut.
There are a lot of public programs and I understand when money is tight, you need to evaluate all avenues, but I believe that education is key and we are not doing enough when it comes to preparing the children of the future. Would my children be successful without the preschool program? Yes and No...because I was a stay-at-home mom I have been able to teach them various things to prepare them for school, their ABC's, counting to 100, some basic addition, colors, shapes, etc...however, when my sweetpea started PreK last year, it took her five months to feel comfortable enough in the classroom with the other students. When I would drop her off, she would cry, she didn't want to go not because of the learning, but because she was unsure about this new environment and granted she was in a montessori school, so the teacher she had last year is the same teacher she has this year, so she didn't have to go through the adjustment periods of a new classroom. She was familiar with the routine and the expectations of the classroom and she could focus on learning.
My little man, had an adjustment this year, but he adapted a lot quicker than my sweetpea. He will still come home sometimes and ask, why so and so didn't want to play with him or why this or that happened, but when he enters the school year next fall in kindergarten he will also know the routine and expectations of his classroom. The students will be familiar and again, he doesn't have to have the anxiety that he experienced in the first few months of the school season, which is another reason why I really enjoy the montessori methods.
My sweetpea will enter 1st grade and enter a new classroom with a new teacher, but she will see familiar faces and she will have the new teacher till she leaves 3rd grade. My children already have a zeal for learning new things because it is something that we have made important in our house and their school is supplementing that thirst by the various activities the children learn. I am lucky that my children were able to participate in this program and really I wouldn't have known about it until the school made me aware of it, I only wish that the legislators take what has been presented and really evaluate the issues before blindly cutting the program.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." - Maria Montessori
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A Reunion in Planning.....
I'm super excited that a family reunion is in planning motion. Thanks to Facebook, I've reconnected with family I always knew existed, but really didn't know and 25 years ago, there was a family reunion and we have rekindled the interest to plan another.
It will be in New Zealand, next January, so it gives me time to save and get the kids passports in order.
I've offered my services, which will be limited since I am here and most everyone is there, but I'm sure there are a few things that I can do. If my parents and my sister go, it will be the first time since I was five that we were in New Zealand as a family. My parents have made a few trips back, I've made two with just my husband and I and my sister has not been back since she was a child, so I think it would be great if we could all go. For most groups of 10 or more, the airline is willing to give a group discount, so that is also a plus.
It will be in New Zealand, next January, so it gives me time to save and get the kids passports in order.
I've offered my services, which will be limited since I am here and most everyone is there, but I'm sure there are a few things that I can do. If my parents and my sister go, it will be the first time since I was five that we were in New Zealand as a family. My parents have made a few trips back, I've made two with just my husband and I and my sister has not been back since she was a child, so I think it would be great if we could all go. For most groups of 10 or more, the airline is willing to give a group discount, so that is also a plus.
It will be exciting to see the planning come to realization as the closer we get. I wonder what activities they will have? The last reunion someone compiled a reunion yearbook, with everyone's names and pictures...I said that I would redo one and maybe save it on cd's or create a digital story of the family...not sure yet...ideas are stirring though.
Maori proverb: Ka mau koe ki nga kupu o ou tupuna - Hold fast to the words of your ancestors
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Survived the First Week of the New Year...Woohoo...
Yes, I managed to survive the first week of the New Year with no major problems, outbursts, tears, fights, etc....I say that is a great start! I'm keeping busy with work, the kids, and the Norwex stuff, which I also had my first party of the year that was also a success, so we are on a good start.The hubby and I had a discussion of what we would like this year to be and what we need to prioritize - I think when he comes back from his trip to NZ we will know for sure if moving there is something we want. Both of us want to move, but we don't know where we want to go. I love living in Iowa, there are great people, great communities and I'm sure we will always come back, but we both want a change, yet we are not sure where we want to make that change. I would love to go to NZ, but would I like living there? So, I think Darren will be the deciding factor - he will be there for a little over a month, living with families, so he will be able to get an idea and if he likes it meet some people to network with. I think when it gets closer to summer, I will expand my job search. My contract will end in September, and even though I've applied for a couple jobs out of state, I haven't made it my focus, so perhaps I will expand my job search to various states.
On a different note, my husband bought me my first Raygun shirt - it says, "I'm not a player, I just blog a lot" - I like it and it was a nice surprise. I like that store and there are a few shirts that I would like to have.Both the hens are laying eggs and we are getting a dozen a week, which is a little more than what we consume, so we've been giving some eggs away. It is nice just having eggs at hand, one night we were making cookies and there weren't any and my hubby went to the coop and came back with two.
The kids are back in school and back to the normal routine of things, both were ready to see all their school friends and get back into the classrooms, which is good. Yesterday the kids wanted to see some old home videos and we watch one when my little man was born and my sweet pea's first birthday. It was funny to see them react to the video and it was also nice to be reminded of those times. I forget how quickly they grow and how those times when they were babies are gone. Sometimes I definitely would like another wee baby around, but then again I know we are done. I've got two wonderful, bright kids that keep me on my toes as it is. And I woke up to a note that said "I love my family, dey are the best. I love my mommy, my daddy, and my broter." My sweet pea said, did you get my letter...would you like me to read it to you? I said of course and watching her and listening to her made me think of how when she was an infant, she would scream her little head every night between 4pm to 8pm due to colic and I would rock her, bathe her, take her for a car ride, bounce her and wonder if I ever was going to survive and now she stood before me reading this lovely letter. That is happiness.
I saw the quote below and thought how appropriate for the beginning of a new year and new outlook...
"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx
On a different note, my husband bought me my first Raygun shirt - it says, "I'm not a player, I just blog a lot" - I like it and it was a nice surprise. I like that store and there are a few shirts that I would like to have.Both the hens are laying eggs and we are getting a dozen a week, which is a little more than what we consume, so we've been giving some eggs away. It is nice just having eggs at hand, one night we were making cookies and there weren't any and my hubby went to the coop and came back with two.
The kids are back in school and back to the normal routine of things, both were ready to see all their school friends and get back into the classrooms, which is good. Yesterday the kids wanted to see some old home videos and we watch one when my little man was born and my sweet pea's first birthday. It was funny to see them react to the video and it was also nice to be reminded of those times. I forget how quickly they grow and how those times when they were babies are gone. Sometimes I definitely would like another wee baby around, but then again I know we are done. I've got two wonderful, bright kids that keep me on my toes as it is. And I woke up to a note that said "I love my family, dey are the best. I love my mommy, my daddy, and my broter." My sweet pea said, did you get my letter...would you like me to read it to you? I said of course and watching her and listening to her made me think of how when she was an infant, she would scream her little head every night between 4pm to 8pm due to colic and I would rock her, bathe her, take her for a car ride, bounce her and wonder if I ever was going to survive and now she stood before me reading this lovely letter. That is happiness.
I saw the quote below and thought how appropriate for the beginning of a new year and new outlook...
"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
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 :
"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
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 :
- I don't recognize how sometimes I can come across to others - I've definitely been told that I can seem "cold or harsh"
- I can be dismissive
- I can hold people to high expectations/standards...this applies to myself too, I'm often harder on myself than others
- I sometimes focus on the details rather than the big picture
- I have an intense temper, when pushed to that level and I can be cutting
- It is very difficult for me to relax, something I've dealt with all my life...I'm tense
- 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
- 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
- I can be stubborn
- I don't handle stress very well, I internalize it
- I don't let to many people get to close...hard to get to know
- My feelings get hurt rather easily
- Okay, this can go either way...emotional
- 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
- 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
- I'm a good listener and will do what I can to make someone feel better or at ease
- I'm empathic and concerned with others
- I'm good at reading people and can pick up on things that may not seem so obvious to others
- I can look at things from different perspectives...however this can also be a weakness
- I'm not afraid of hard work, if I put my mind to something I will do it
- I'm idealistic...this too can also be a weakness
- I will sacrifice and do whatever is needed for my children/family
- I'm a friend for life..my circle is small, but I will be a long-standing friend
- I like to do things for other people
- I will find my own way...I don't necessarily follow mainstream (also could be a weakness)
- I'm a good negotiator
- I prefer balance and harmony in my life
- 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
"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
Sunday, December 26, 2010
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
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
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