Drew's first time out this season. Quite a haul!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Shameless Brag
I just had Grace's conference and I could not be happier.
Her teacher's exact words: "there is no one else in this world than I am more proud of"!
Most parents focus on grades - which is a good thing to look at, but for kids with dyslexia grades are not such a focus.
What I see in Grace is:
* Growth as an advocate for herself
* Poise beyond her years
* The ability to talk to anyone - children, adults, peers
* Empathy
* Confidence
* Perseverance
Mix in the fact that she is getting awesome grades and what you get is: THE WHOLE PACKAGE!
Way to go Shorty!!!!
Her teacher's exact words: "there is no one else in this world than I am more proud of"!
Most parents focus on grades - which is a good thing to look at, but for kids with dyslexia grades are not such a focus.
What I see in Grace is:
* Growth as an advocate for herself
* Poise beyond her years
* The ability to talk to anyone - children, adults, peers
* Empathy
* Confidence
* Perseverance
Mix in the fact that she is getting awesome grades and what you get is: THE WHOLE PACKAGE!
Way to go Shorty!!!!
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
When my son bugs me - ASL
With my new found language ability - American Sign Language - when my son bugs me, I sign this:
BITE Me!
Kong
The dogs have each had a kong for a long time but Daisy always immediately gets the treat out of hers. So we haven't used them very often. Plus, the kongs always end up outside in the bushes.
This weekend, I purchased a "genuis kong" for Daisy - it's suppose to be harder to get the treat out of it.
We have been using them all weekend and the dogs are fired up! Daisy still gets hers out pretty quickly - you can see her advanced technique in the picture! Sometimes I stuff a piece of bread in it and that takes a little longer to get out!
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Friday, November 04, 2011
#80
Number 80 is not playing in today's game because he has been sick this week. Still looks rugged on the sidelines!
Sadie Hawkins Dance
Drew, his date, and his friends at Sadie Hawkins Dance at school. The theme was Candyland.
Bless You!
This morning, I was sitting in my office at work and had a big sneeze!
Two seconds later my cell phone rang.
It was my boss, who sits across the building, saying "bless you"!
I am known at work for loud sneezes and he sat in the office next to me for 5 years and heard it all the time. So now when a big, loud sneeze bellows across the building, he recognizes it!
I cracked up!
Two seconds later my cell phone rang.
It was my boss, who sits across the building, saying "bless you"!
I am known at work for loud sneezes and he sat in the office next to me for 5 years and heard it all the time. So now when a big, loud sneeze bellows across the building, he recognizes it!
I cracked up!
Do Good!
I believe that everyone should do something to give back to this world. I know it is hard with everything that we all have going on in our lives, but we are all so fortunate that we must be committed to help others. It doesn't have to be a lot - a little money or a little time goes a long way for people in need.
The targets of my money and time are: food banks, the American Heart Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Association and Parents Helping Parents.
I am super happy to report that I just worked to obtain Parents Helping Parents a $30,000 grant to go towards a program called "Sharing the Journey". "Sharing the Journey" is a 6 week program that parents go thru when their child is diagnosed with something serious. The program helps them come to grips with the diagnosis and provides coping skills, including maintaining records and locating needed resources.
http://www.php.com/
The targets of my money and time are: food banks, the American Heart Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Association and Parents Helping Parents.
I am super happy to report that I just worked to obtain Parents Helping Parents a $30,000 grant to go towards a program called "Sharing the Journey". "Sharing the Journey" is a 6 week program that parents go thru when their child is diagnosed with something serious. The program helps them come to grips with the diagnosis and provides coping skills, including maintaining records and locating needed resources.
http://www.php.com/
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Hot Doggie
This is our neighbor dog, Joey. He is wearing a jacket that was Ahi's. But like most women, she got a little chubby as she got older and it no longer fit! So we passed it down to him.
He is a cocky little Chihuahua and he thinks he looks rugged and sexy in it!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween 2011
Grace (far left) is a tree! You can't see it in this pic but she has a crow on her wrist and orange sunglasses with leaves glued to them!Sunday, October 30, 2011
Redneck Halloween
Our friend, Fred, came by last week to get some of Jim's camo gear for his and Missy's redneck Halloween costume! I want to point out that the hair that Fred is wearing, is NOT Jim's!
Hula is on Hold
My family is doubting my ability to learn hula so I have moved on to something new....American Sign Language!
So far, I know:
A thru L
Are you married?
Goodnite
Are you deaf
No I am not deaf, I am hearing
I looked at local classes but I don't have time to do a 3 hour class once a week. I need to look at online options.
Stay tuned.
So far, I know:
A thru L
Are you married?
Goodnite
Are you deaf
No I am not deaf, I am hearing
I looked at local classes but I don't have time to do a 3 hour class once a week. I need to look at online options.
Stay tuned.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Cabin in the Fall
I think my favorite time of year at the cabin is the fall. The reason is that there is no "planned activity" - i.e. no skiing, no boating, no backpacking, no swimming, no fishing, etc. So the fall leaves us time to just "putz" around.
Today we:
* went and looked at a house - it was super creepy!
* went to the archery range and shot some arrows - Jim is amazing! I couldn't even pull the string back!
* drove thru the campground to check it out
* went to the local junk store to get a pair of glasses for Gracie's Halloween costume
* checked out the local farmers market (there was only 3 stalls!)
* went to the creek to pan for gold but got distracted by panning for crawdads
* furminated Daisy Mae
Tomorrow we will head back to the creek to do some more crawdad fishing!
Today we:
* went and looked at a house - it was super creepy!
* went to the archery range and shot some arrows - Jim is amazing! I couldn't even pull the string back!
* drove thru the campground to check it out
* went to the local junk store to get a pair of glasses for Gracie's Halloween costume
* checked out the local farmers market (there was only 3 stalls!)
* went to the creek to pan for gold but got distracted by panning for crawdads
* furminated Daisy Mae
Tomorrow we will head back to the creek to do some more crawdad fishing!
Sports Scores
Football - a win at 54 to 25! Drew had a lot of play time and blocked a field goal.
Soccer - Grace had the weekend off!
Soccer - Grace had the weekend off!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Happy 32, Kyle
TNDC was Kyle's birthday edition and in his honor, the boys had a beer tasting event. Each of them brought two six packs of their assigned types of beers.
Happy bday Kyle!
Fancy Chocolate Milk
I got the girls these super cool straws that have chocolate or strawberry flavoring in them. You put the straw in a glass of milk and and then the flavor comes out when you drink thru the straw.
Very fun!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Identification?
Someone at work sent this pic around asking for help identifying it. He had found it in his front yard this morning....
I cracked up - it is clearly a worm!
Where has this guy been his whole life that he does not recognize a worm?
But that got me thinking...I guess not everyone has a worm bin and get to look at them everyday.
Here is a quick lesson on worms:
In terms of animal complexity about half of all animal species on Earth are less complex than segmented worms, while about half are more complex. Of course we humans are the most complex.
ARE EARTHWORMS IMPORTANT?
Certainly what earthworms do isn't simple in ecological terms. The great naturalist Charles Darwin, after making a careful study of them, wrote this:
"...it may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures." "History of the world," he said!
One important thing that earthworms do is to plow the soil by tunneling through it. Their tunnels provide the soil with passageways through which air and water can circulate, and that's important because soil microorganisms and plant roots need air and water just like we do. Without some kind of plowing, soil becomes compacted, air and water can't circulate in it, and plant roots can't penetrate it.
One study showed that each year on an acre (0.4 hectare) of average cultivated land, 16,000 pounds (7200 kg) of soil pass through earthworm guts and are deposited atop the soil -- 30,000 pounds (13,500 kg) in really wormy soil! Charles Darwin himself calculated that if all the worm excreta resulting from ten years of worm work on one acre of soil were spread over that acre, it would be two inches thick (5.08 cm).
This is something we should appreciate because earthworm droppings -- called castings when deposited atop the ground -- are rich in nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and these are all important nutrients for healthy, prospering ecosystems.
I used castings in my tomato plants this year and the plants grew like crazy!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Hunting for Ducks
After the raccoon incident at the lake, the dogs were on HIGH alert. This pic was taken about 10 minutes after chasing the raccoon - they were in the full on hunting mode!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sports Scores
Drew's football team lost on Friday nite - 14 to 7
Gracie's soccer team lost on Saturday - 3 to 1
Gracie's soccer team lost on Saturday - 3 to 1
Tooth Update
My tooth is actually better! Have slept thru the nite with no advil for two nites now!
Fingers crossed that it is on the mend.
Fingers crossed that it is on the mend.
On the Menu for this Week
Horseradish Flank Steak
Ingredients
1 (1 pound) beef flank steak
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
HORSERADISH SAUCE:
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
Directions
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the steak with shallow diagonal cuts at 1-in. intervals, making diamond shapes. Repeat on other side. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the next five ingredients. Add steak. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl; cover and refrigerate.
Drain and discard marinade. Grill steak, covered, over medium-hot heat for 7-9 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145 degrees F; medium, 160 degrees F; well done, 170 degrees F). Thinly slice steak across the grain; serve with sauce.
Ingredients
1 (1 pound) beef flank steak
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
HORSERADISH SAUCE:
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
Directions
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the steak with shallow diagonal cuts at 1-in. intervals, making diamond shapes. Repeat on other side. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the next five ingredients. Add steak. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl; cover and refrigerate.
Drain and discard marinade. Grill steak, covered, over medium-hot heat for 7-9 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145 degrees F; medium, 160 degrees F; well done, 170 degrees F). Thinly slice steak across the grain; serve with sauce.
Turkey Earthquake
I wake up this morning to hear about a huge earthquake in Turkey, which is not usually a big concern for me. But my folks are on a cruise that makes a stop in Turkey. So I immediately start doing research. I have my laptop, my ipad, my cell phone and the tv all going and gathering information.
First, I text Drew in SJ to have him check the itinerary that is in the office to tell me when they are suppose to be in Turkey. Then I have Jim pull up a map of the middle east and we track their movement by dates.
What we determine is that they were in Egypt and the earthquake was quite a distance north east of them.
Wheeeewwww!
First, I text Drew in SJ to have him check the itinerary that is in the office to tell me when they are suppose to be in Turkey. Then I have Jim pull up a map of the middle east and we track their movement by dates.
What we determine is that they were in Egypt and the earthquake was quite a distance north east of them.
Wheeeewwww!
Yikes! Holy Boating Raccoon!
Jim and I are at the cabin for our anniversary (without the kids)! Yesterday morning, we went down to the lake to do some fishing.
When we got to the boat, the tarp was ripped and filled with water. Damn! That stupid tarp was expensive ($800) and this is the second time it ripped. It ripped last year after a big snow storm.
As Jim and I are working to get the water out of the boat, the dogs are going crazy sniffing the boat. I told Jim, "there must have been something on the boat because the dogs are super interested." Just then, a raccoon comes shooting out the back door of the boat, runs across the back of the boat next to us and into the water! Daisy rips off after it and jumps in the water. Ahi runs down the dock and yips and cries at all the action!
We think the raccoon climbed up under the dock because we never saw it again. Jim hauled Daisy out of the water and we made them come back to the boat. We didn't want them getting attacked by a raccoon!
It was all very exciting!
Luckily, the raccoon had not been living there -- there was no evidence of setting up house! We were really worried that when we took the tarp all the way off, we would find 3 raccoon babies!
New thoughts on hula...
I watched some hula dancers on tv this morning: kids first and then adults.
I am having serious second thoughts about learning to hula....I don't think I could do it as good as the kids!
I need to do some research!
I am having serious second thoughts about learning to hula....I don't think I could do it as good as the kids!
I need to do some research!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
TV - Fall Season
I have never been a big tv watcher because I have an attention span of about 20 minutes. But this year, I have totally gotten into a bunch of new shows. I am currently watching:
The Old Standbys:
* NCIS
* Modern Family
* The Big Bang Theory
* The Middle
The New Shows:
* Revenge - Sort of like a Knotts Landing in the Hamptons
* Unforgettable - About a woman that has a photographic memory and never forgets anything - she solves crimes.
* Person of Interest - Lots of twists in the plot, the main characters are a little creepy
The Old Standbys:
* NCIS
* Modern Family
* The Big Bang Theory
* The Middle
The New Shows:
* Revenge - Sort of like a Knotts Landing in the Hamptons
* Unforgettable - About a woman that has a photographic memory and never forgets anything - she solves crimes.
* Person of Interest - Lots of twists in the plot, the main characters are a little creepy
Root Canal?
I had a crown prep about 2 weeks ago because of a fractured tooth. The dentist thought it was the best case scenario because is looked like the nerve was not involved. So I was sent home for two weeks to wait for my permanent crown.
Things did not go as expected and I have been taking advil every 4 hours for the last two weeks to manage the achy pain. I was hoping that the pain would subside.
Today I went in for the placement of the permanent crown. Based on the pain, the Dentist thinks I will need a root canal, but was willing to give it another month with the permanent crown on - glued with temporary cement mixed with anesthetic to calm the nerve. Sometimes the mixture of the permanent crown with the anesthetic calms the nerve down.
Sounded like a good plan....until I got into the procedure to place the permanent crown! Because of the achiness I already had, it was like torture! And it took an hour to get the crown seated properly. I left the dentist office after an hour and was totally traumatized. I felt beat up!
So now....wait a month and see what happens. If it gets worse, I have a referral for a root canal. If it gets better, I do a happy dance!
Things did not go as expected and I have been taking advil every 4 hours for the last two weeks to manage the achy pain. I was hoping that the pain would subside.
Today I went in for the placement of the permanent crown. Based on the pain, the Dentist thinks I will need a root canal, but was willing to give it another month with the permanent crown on - glued with temporary cement mixed with anesthetic to calm the nerve. Sometimes the mixture of the permanent crown with the anesthetic calms the nerve down.
Sounded like a good plan....until I got into the procedure to place the permanent crown! Because of the achiness I already had, it was like torture! And it took an hour to get the crown seated properly. I left the dentist office after an hour and was totally traumatized. I felt beat up!
So now....wait a month and see what happens. If it gets worse, I have a referral for a root canal. If it gets better, I do a happy dance!
Ick - moths!
We are having a terrible time with pantry moths this year. We had them once a few years ago and I cleaned out the pantry, got some traps and they were gone!
It has not been so easy this time. I have cleaned out the pantry and put traps all over but they still won't be "gone"!
What makes me mad is the culprit is the same as last time, a bag of brown rice. They were setting up a whole town in it!
It has not been so easy this time. I have cleaned out the pantry and put traps all over but they still won't be "gone"!
What makes me mad is the culprit is the same as last time, a bag of brown rice. They were setting up a whole town in it!
Little things that delight!
Two things that delighted me today. One is "little" in size and one is "little" in importance:
1. The "little" in importance is my new hair dryer! My current hair dryer is so old that I don't even remember when I bought it. And it works in slow motion, barely blowing out warm air. The only reason I could stand it this long is I shower at the gym so often that I don't have to use it very often. On Monday I was at the gym using their hair dryer and decided that it was time to get a new one for home. I went to my desk and ordered one just like the one at the gym on amazon (i love amazon) and it was delivered yesterday!
2. The "little" in size is my new 21 st anniversary ring that Jim gave me this morning! Very pretty pear shaped sapphire in a white gold setting. It makes me think if the pearl promise ring he gave me 23 years ago!
Happy anniversary to us and happy new hair dryer day!
1. The "little" in importance is my new hair dryer! My current hair dryer is so old that I don't even remember when I bought it. And it works in slow motion, barely blowing out warm air. The only reason I could stand it this long is I shower at the gym so often that I don't have to use it very often. On Monday I was at the gym using their hair dryer and decided that it was time to get a new one for home. I went to my desk and ordered one just like the one at the gym on amazon (i love amazon) and it was delivered yesterday!
2. The "little" in size is my new 21 st anniversary ring that Jim gave me this morning! Very pretty pear shaped sapphire in a white gold setting. It makes me think if the pearl promise ring he gave me 23 years ago!
Happy anniversary to us and happy new hair dryer day!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Halloween....Past
I think this was about 6 years ago when Drew was 10 and Grace was 6. Grace is a jockey. See the racehorse in her candy bucket? And Drew....well....he was a bottle of ketchup!
And I LOVE our super fancy table holding the basket of candy. Really? A box as a table!?!?!
Tator Tot Casserole
This was ridiculously yummy! I found the recipe after not wanting to have to make a trip to the grocery store --- I looked in the freezer to find tator tots and was looking for something to do with them!
Ingredients
1 (32 ounce) package frozen potato rounds
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 onion and 2 cloves of garlic, chopped and sauteed in a little olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Arrange tater tots in the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cheese, and mushroom soup. Pour this mixture over the tater tots. Sprinkle onions over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 60 minutes.
Spoon out and eat like a pig!
Ingredients
1 (32 ounce) package frozen potato rounds
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 onion and 2 cloves of garlic, chopped and sauteed in a little olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Arrange tater tots in the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cheese, and mushroom soup. Pour this mixture over the tater tots. Sprinkle onions over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 60 minutes.
Spoon out and eat like a pig!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
TNDC - Anniversary Edition
This week's Thursday Nite Dinner Club is the anniversary edition - mine and Jim's 21st anniversary!
The menu for our special day will be:
Pulled chicken sandwiches
Baked beans
Fries
Coleslaw
We are happy to be celebrating with a group of friends. Anyone who wants to join for the TNDC anniversary edition is welcome....just send me an email so I can assign you something to bring!
The menu for our special day will be:
Pulled chicken sandwiches
Baked beans
Fries
Coleslaw
We are happy to be celebrating with a group of friends. Anyone who wants to join for the TNDC anniversary edition is welcome....just send me an email so I can assign you something to bring!
Whoopie Pies
I made whoopie pies for bosses day this week and wow - are they yummy! I read somewhere that they are better a day later and after having one for breakfast this morning, I have to agree!
Whoopie Pies
For cakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
For filling
4 tablespoons, or so, of softened cream cheese
1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
2 cups marshmallow cream such as Marshmallow Fluff
1 teaspoon vanilla
Make cakes:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until combined.
Stir together buttermilk and vanilla in a small bowl.
Beat together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer or 5 minutes with a handheld, then add egg, beating until combined well.
Reduce speed to low and alternately mix in flour mixture and buttermilk in batches, beginning and ending with flour, scraping down side of bowl occasionally, and mixing until smooth.
Spoon rounded teaspoon of batter about 2 inches apart onto 2 buttered large baking sheets. Bake in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until tops are puffed and cakes spring back when touched, 11 to 13 minutes.
Transfer with a metal spatula to a rack to cool completely.
Make filling:
Beat together butter, cream cheese, confectioners sugar, marshmallow, and vanilla in a bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.
Assemble pies:
Spread a rounded tablespoon filling on flat sides of half of cakes and top with remaining cakes.
Whoopie Pies
For cakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
For filling
4 tablespoons, or so, of softened cream cheese
1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
2 cups marshmallow cream such as Marshmallow Fluff
1 teaspoon vanilla
Make cakes:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until combined.
Stir together buttermilk and vanilla in a small bowl.
Beat together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer or 5 minutes with a handheld, then add egg, beating until combined well.
Reduce speed to low and alternately mix in flour mixture and buttermilk in batches, beginning and ending with flour, scraping down side of bowl occasionally, and mixing until smooth.
Spoon rounded teaspoon of batter about 2 inches apart onto 2 buttered large baking sheets. Bake in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until tops are puffed and cakes spring back when touched, 11 to 13 minutes.
Transfer with a metal spatula to a rack to cool completely.
Make filling:
Beat together butter, cream cheese, confectioners sugar, marshmallow, and vanilla in a bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.
Assemble pies:
Spread a rounded tablespoon filling on flat sides of half of cakes and top with remaining cakes.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Team Murray
This is Gracie's soccer team pic for the Fall Season. Murray happened to be there, so he joined in for the official team pic!Friday, October 14, 2011
Walkathon
Grace's school has a big fundraiser walkathon every year. This is a pic of her and her buddies.
How does it go so wrong so fast?
Being the good citizen that I am, I am planning to sign up a bunch of friends to volunteer at the Family Giving Tree. That means we will spend a few hours wrapping and sorting gifts for the underprivelged. We have done this before and it is a lot of fun. And we all bring gifts to donate to double the goodness!
So, today I sent out an email telling our group of friends that I am working on setting this up. The men of the group - who are always worried about whether there will be enough meat at an event - had the following converstation:
Jim: Will they have meat?
Mr C responds with:
Marty responds with: "Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas tree....How fatty are thy branches."
How does doing good turn into a meat xmas tree in 4 short emails?
So, today I sent out an email telling our group of friends that I am working on setting this up. The men of the group - who are always worried about whether there will be enough meat at an event - had the following converstation:
Jim: Will they have meat?
Mr C responds with:
Marty responds with: "Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas tree....How fatty are thy branches."
Missy (who can hang with the men in both the beer drinking and meat eating arenas, responds with: "Holy sausage batman I hope that is there when we work!"
And as the resident vegetarian, I am horrified!
How does doing good turn into a meat xmas tree in 4 short emails?
And I wonder why....
All before 9 am this morning:
* Packed a lunch
* Commuted to work
* Did one hour of cardio and 30 mins of weights
* Showered and got ready for work
* Emailed Drew's tutor
* Drew's ride did not show for tutoring - so Jim had to take Drew to tutoring and then to school
* Since Jim was not home, he had to get Grandma Anna to come over to get Grace to school
* Found out that the friend who was suppose to pick up Grace after school and take to soccer practice was in the hospital with a kidney stone. Made alternate pick up plans for Grace.
* Grace's soccer bag was suppose to be at the friends house so it was ready for practice tonite - with change of plans, had to track down soccer bag.
* Friend in hospital had soccer carpool duty tonite - so had to make alternate plans, including me doing pick up.
And my dentist wonders why I clench my teeth hard enough to fracture my teeth.
Next up today.....8 plus hours of work and yoga!
* Packed a lunch
* Commuted to work
* Did one hour of cardio and 30 mins of weights
* Showered and got ready for work
* Emailed Drew's tutor
* Drew's ride did not show for tutoring - so Jim had to take Drew to tutoring and then to school
* Since Jim was not home, he had to get Grandma Anna to come over to get Grace to school
* Found out that the friend who was suppose to pick up Grace after school and take to soccer practice was in the hospital with a kidney stone. Made alternate pick up plans for Grace.
* Grace's soccer bag was suppose to be at the friends house so it was ready for practice tonite - with change of plans, had to track down soccer bag.
* Friend in hospital had soccer carpool duty tonite - so had to make alternate plans, including me doing pick up.
And my dentist wonders why I clench my teeth hard enough to fracture my teeth.
Next up today.....8 plus hours of work and yoga!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Aloha
I have been thinking....I want to learn how to hula dance.
When my kids are out of the house, that is #1 on my list of things to do.
When my kids are out of the house, that is #1 on my list of things to do.
College Tour
We took Drew on his first college tour this last weekend to Chico State.
It is a little early to be starting but I wanted him to have a foundation and general knowledge on which to build his thoughts about college. College is an abstract thought to a high school sophomore. To be able to see a college campus, visit the bookstore, walk thru a dorm room, etc. is something that they can grasp.
It was a great experience! Highlights included:
* Buying Chico State gear for the whole family
* Eating at the Bear
* Watching a men's soccer game
* Going to the Sierra Nevada Brewery
* Touring Bear Hole, Salmon Hole, 1 mile and 5 mile
The funniest part was when Drew walked into a dorm room and said, "this won't work"! The room was so small that if he laid down on the floor, he would have to bend his knees to avoid hitting the other side of the room. And the beds are twin beds. He hasn't slept in a twin bed since he was 9! We were cracking up!
It is a little early to be starting but I wanted him to have a foundation and general knowledge on which to build his thoughts about college. College is an abstract thought to a high school sophomore. To be able to see a college campus, visit the bookstore, walk thru a dorm room, etc. is something that they can grasp.
It was a great experience! Highlights included:
* Buying Chico State gear for the whole family
* Eating at the Bear
* Watching a men's soccer game
* Going to the Sierra Nevada Brewery
* Touring Bear Hole, Salmon Hole, 1 mile and 5 mile
The funniest part was when Drew walked into a dorm room and said, "this won't work"! The room was so small that if he laid down on the floor, he would have to bend his knees to avoid hitting the other side of the room. And the beds are twin beds. He hasn't slept in a twin bed since he was 9! We were cracking up!
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.
What causes dyslexia?
The exact causes of dyslexia are still not completely clear, but anatomical and brain imagery studies show differences in the way the brain of a dyslexic person develops and functions. Moreover, most people with dyslexia have been found to have problems with identifying the separate speech sounds within a word and/or learning how letters represent those sounds, a key factor in their reading difficulties. Dyslexia is not due to either lack of intelligence or desire to learn; with appropriate teaching methods, dyslexics can learn successfully.
What are the effects of dyslexia?
The impact that dyslexia has is different for each person and depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of instruction or remediation. The core difficulty is with word recognition and reading fluency, spelling, and writing. Some dyslexics manage to learn early reading and spelling tasks, especially with excellent instruction, but later experience their most debilitating problems when more complex language skills are required, such as grammar, understanding textbook material, and writing essays.
What Are the Signs of Dyslexia?
The problems displayed by individuals with dyslexia involve difficulties in acquiring and using language--reading and writing letters in the wrong order is just one manifestation of dyslexia and does not occur in all cases. Other problems experienced by dyslexics include:
Learning to speak
Organizing written and spoken language
Learning letters and their sounds
Memorizing number facts
Spelling
Reading
Learning a foreign language
Correctly doing math operations
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.
What causes dyslexia?
The exact causes of dyslexia are still not completely clear, but anatomical and brain imagery studies show differences in the way the brain of a dyslexic person develops and functions. Moreover, most people with dyslexia have been found to have problems with identifying the separate speech sounds within a word and/or learning how letters represent those sounds, a key factor in their reading difficulties. Dyslexia is not due to either lack of intelligence or desire to learn; with appropriate teaching methods, dyslexics can learn successfully.
What are the effects of dyslexia?
The impact that dyslexia has is different for each person and depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of instruction or remediation. The core difficulty is with word recognition and reading fluency, spelling, and writing. Some dyslexics manage to learn early reading and spelling tasks, especially with excellent instruction, but later experience their most debilitating problems when more complex language skills are required, such as grammar, understanding textbook material, and writing essays.
What Are the Signs of Dyslexia?
The problems displayed by individuals with dyslexia involve difficulties in acquiring and using language--reading and writing letters in the wrong order is just one manifestation of dyslexia and does not occur in all cases. Other problems experienced by dyslexics include:
Learning to speak
Organizing written and spoken language
Learning letters and their sounds
Memorizing number facts
Spelling
Reading
Learning a foreign language
Correctly doing math operations
Thursday, October 06, 2011
A new buddy
Grace has a new buddy! He is an "E-buddy" and his name is James.
She just joined Best Buddies, e-buddies program, which is an electronic pen pal with a child with an intellectual or developmental disability:
http://www.bestbuddies.org/
She got the buddy last nite and sent her first email to him. She got up first thing this morning to see if she got any response.....nothing yet!
She just joined Best Buddies, e-buddies program, which is an electronic pen pal with a child with an intellectual or developmental disability:
http://www.bestbuddies.org/
She got the buddy last nite and sent her first email to him. She got up first thing this morning to see if she got any response.....nothing yet!
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Hurray!
This morning when I announced what was for dinner, I received CHEERS! So what do you think that dinner is:
* Burgers?
* Mac and Cheese?
* BBQ Chicken?
* Spaghetti and meatballs?
NOPE!
Cabbage and noodles!
These kids eat anything and eat it with gusto! Cabbage and noodles is cabbage that is cooked for hours so that it is sweet tasting. Then you mix it with cooked egg noodles and butter and then sprinkle a little salt over the top. It is a Polish dish that I learned to make in high school - I had a close girlfriend who was Polish.
I fully expect to get texts from Drew today telling me how excited he is that we are having cabbage and noodles.
* Burgers?
* Mac and Cheese?
* BBQ Chicken?
* Spaghetti and meatballs?
NOPE!
Cabbage and noodles!
These kids eat anything and eat it with gusto! Cabbage and noodles is cabbage that is cooked for hours so that it is sweet tasting. Then you mix it with cooked egg noodles and butter and then sprinkle a little salt over the top. It is a Polish dish that I learned to make in high school - I had a close girlfriend who was Polish.
I fully expect to get texts from Drew today telling me how excited he is that we are having cabbage and noodles.
Monday, October 03, 2011
A good friend?
Tina texted me and asked me if I wanted any frozen yogurt....they had a new flavor....Maple Bacon Donut!
Be sure to notice that it does not actually contain meat. Oh - and it's nonfat!
I still did not want any!
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Tuna Slayer
The tuna have moved close in, about 30 miles offshore. So Jim went out to today - left at 3 am. They are still not back yet (6 pm) but got 17 tuna!
I guess there will be fresh tuna for dinner tomorrow.
I guess there will be fresh tuna for dinner tomorrow.
Homecoming
This weekend was homecoming, which is especially fun if you have a football player. They played yesterday and won 33 to 7. Drew played a great game and got a touch down and a quarterback sack! He was mowing people over in the first half but then took a pretty big hit and slowed down the rest of the day because his head hurt and he felt like he was going to barf!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Position Open
Dog water bowl filler upper.
Full time position.
Must provide own equipment: big cup, water proof shoes.
22 hours per day.
Must be ready to jump up at a moments notice when notified by doggie eyes shooting daggers at you.
Must maintain happy face in difficult situations such as giant nose in your crotch.
Salary: zero dollars
Full time position.
Must provide own equipment: big cup, water proof shoes.
22 hours per day.
Must be ready to jump up at a moments notice when notified by doggie eyes shooting daggers at you.
Must maintain happy face in difficult situations such as giant nose in your crotch.
Salary: zero dollars
National Geographic
There is a great article in the October 2011 National Geographic about "The New Science of the Teenage Brain".
It is well worth a read and the $6 news stand cost.
Highlights include:
How the brain undergoes a massive reorganization from age 12 to age 25. These changes make the brain more sophisticated and much faster.
How the reward of risky behavior outweighs the consequences for the teenage brain.
The teenage brain makes teenagers very adaptable and perfect for leaving the nest and going out on their own.
It is well worth a read and the $6 news stand cost.
Highlights include:
How the brain undergoes a massive reorganization from age 12 to age 25. These changes make the brain more sophisticated and much faster.
How the reward of risky behavior outweighs the consequences for the teenage brain.
The teenage brain makes teenagers very adaptable and perfect for leaving the nest and going out on their own.
Jr High Recommendation
We are currently going thru the application process for Grace to get into the private school which Drew goes to. Everyone should be required to obtain letters of recommendation to get into Jr High. It is a great process for self reflection and gives incredible feedback from people who know your children. The letters we have received have brought tears to my eyes. Here is an excerpt from one of them:
Motivation
Grace is one of the most self-motivated students I have known in my twenty years as an educator. She sets very high standards for herself and works hard to achieve them. Due to the challenges that come with dyslexia, Grace can sometimes feel overwhelmed with her workload. Yet she takes responsibility for her own learning and asks for support when she needs it. Her parents did not push her to get math tutoring: that was *her* idea. She invariably comes to her lessons prepared with questions to ask and all necessary materials. Outside of school, Grace avidly pursues extracurricular interests, from playing on competitive soccer and hockey teams to reading books to hiking and traveling with her family. I’m confident that her high level of motivation will lead Grace to set inspiring goals for herself in junior high and beyond and to work hard to reach them.
Grace has one more asset that bodes well for her continued success: family support. Her parents understand the gifts and challenges that come with dyslexia, and are committed to providing Grace with whatever support is needed for her learning, from educational therapy to appropriate accommodations to assistive technology. In addition, her parents are very supportive of Grace's teachers and school, serving as effective liaisons and respectful advocates.
Motivation
Grace is one of the most self-motivated students I have known in my twenty years as an educator. She sets very high standards for herself and works hard to achieve them. Due to the challenges that come with dyslexia, Grace can sometimes feel overwhelmed with her workload. Yet she takes responsibility for her own learning and asks for support when she needs it. Her parents did not push her to get math tutoring: that was *her* idea. She invariably comes to her lessons prepared with questions to ask and all necessary materials. Outside of school, Grace avidly pursues extracurricular interests, from playing on competitive soccer and hockey teams to reading books to hiking and traveling with her family. I’m confident that her high level of motivation will lead Grace to set inspiring goals for herself in junior high and beyond and to work hard to reach them.
Grace has one more asset that bodes well for her continued success: family support. Her parents understand the gifts and challenges that come with dyslexia, and are committed to providing Grace with whatever support is needed for her learning, from educational therapy to appropriate accommodations to assistive technology. In addition, her parents are very supportive of Grace's teachers and school, serving as effective liaisons and respectful advocates.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Bieber Birthday
Following a long standing tradition, Justin Bieber showed up at our house for Gracie's birthday! He is cycling thru all the girls on the soccer team. Each person adds something to him. This time, it looksl ike Gracie's jersey number, 14, was added! And it's hard to tell but there is a bag of cheetos behind his right leg and a party hat on his head - the hat sticks straight forward because as a cardboard figure, he does not have a rounded head for a hat!
Happy Birthday
Happy 12th Birthday to Gracie Marie!
Twelve is a big deal and to commemorate it, I got her a silver pendant to wear around her neck that says:
Never
Never
Never
Give
Up
Winston Churchill said these words to his fellow Brits during WWII and inspired a nation to hang in there during tough times.
This is a famous quote and I think its perfect to highlight her drive and perseverance.
Twelve is a big deal and to commemorate it, I got her a silver pendant to wear around her neck that says:
Never
Never
Never
Give
Up
Winston Churchill said these words to his fellow Brits during WWII and inspired a nation to hang in there during tough times.
This is a famous quote and I think its perfect to highlight her drive and perseverance.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
An old married couple?
This is Murray and his girlfriend Stella. She is nagging Murray to play with her and Murray is saying, "leave me a alone WOMAN!"
Monday, September 26, 2011
Ring around....
Mari's finger!
A great big congrats to Mari and Kyle who are engaged!
No date or location for a wedding yet, but we are heavily pitching the wedding in Hawaii idea!
A great big congrats to Mari and Kyle who are engaged!
No date or location for a wedding yet, but we are heavily pitching the wedding in Hawaii idea!
Bathtub
The birds in the neighborhood are using our new fountain as a bathtub! It is very cute to watch!
Weekend Tournament
Grace's team had a tournament this weekend and it was a bit of a bust! They lost all three games but that really didn't matter too much because they had a GREAT time together. Including this pic of the trip to the tourney. They stopped at a fast food place to get icees and play!Friday, September 23, 2011
How can you not smile about this?
In Morocco, the native Tamri goats are so enticed by the berries of Argan trees that they have become adept at climbing the branches to reach their food. Even stranger still, the goats' droppings contain seed kernels which local farmers then grind into an oil that is used in cooking and cosmetics.
Cranky
You know what makes me super grumpy?
When I fracture a tooth because I am clenching my teeth so much!
So, not only does the tooth hurt and need a crown, but it will cost me almost $600 to have the work done! Not to mention the hour and a half procedure to do the work.
And that is without even knowing if I might also need a root canal.
I am totally driving the "bitter bus" over this!
And.....did I mention my feet hurt again with plantar's faciatis?
All these things make me feel super old! And grumpy!
When I fracture a tooth because I am clenching my teeth so much!
So, not only does the tooth hurt and need a crown, but it will cost me almost $600 to have the work done! Not to mention the hour and a half procedure to do the work.
And that is without even knowing if I might also need a root canal.
I am totally driving the "bitter bus" over this!
And.....did I mention my feet hurt again with plantar's faciatis?
All these things make me feel super old! And grumpy!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Fountain is Flowing
We turned the fountain on last nite and it worked. It is really cool. Each of us keeps going out to look at it.
We need to put a flood light on it and then fix the landscaping around it and we will be done!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Out with the Old....
In with the new....
The "giant pumpkin that wasn't" was hauled to the curb this weekend and in its place is a new fountain.
We had bought a pot/giant vase to make a fountain last fall but I have been waiting to make it to see if we could grow the pumpkin. Once the pumpkin started rotting, I decided the time had come!
The fountain is all put together but we have not put water in it yet because some foam sealer we used had to cure for 24 hours. So tonite at 6:20, the water will be added and the pump turned on.
Let's hope it's more successful than the pumpkin experiment!
Pics to come!
The "giant pumpkin that wasn't" was hauled to the curb this weekend and in its place is a new fountain.
We had bought a pot/giant vase to make a fountain last fall but I have been waiting to make it to see if we could grow the pumpkin. Once the pumpkin started rotting, I decided the time had come!
The fountain is all put together but we have not put water in it yet because some foam sealer we used had to cure for 24 hours. So tonite at 6:20, the water will be added and the pump turned on.
Let's hope it's more successful than the pumpkin experiment!
Pics to come!
Ohhhhhhhmmmmmm
Last nite at bedtime, Ahi was practicing a little yoga: upside down dog!
That stuffed animal looking thing is a leg from a tiger....the leg is all that is left!
Mojo
Grace got her mojo back on the soccer field this weekend.
She was back to scoring and steam rollering over people....all in the spirit of the game!
It was nice to see the girls get a win.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Locker room
My living room and kitchen have turned into a locker room. I came downstairs this morning and spread all over the place were:
My gym bag
My running shoes
Drew's football bag
Two football jerseys
A pair of football pants
Gracie's soccer cleats
A soccer bag
A pair of roller blades
10 rolls of tape for wrapping injuries
Two footballs
A soccer ball
Either we are a bunch of slobs or we are playing too many sports! Or....maybe a little of both!
My gym bag
My running shoes
Drew's football bag
Two football jerseys
A pair of football pants
Gracie's soccer cleats
A soccer bag
A pair of roller blades
10 rolls of tape for wrapping injuries
Two footballs
A soccer ball
Either we are a bunch of slobs or we are playing too many sports! Or....maybe a little of both!
Journey into Dyslexia
We watched the documentary, Journey into Dyslexia and WOW - it was powerful! Here were my take aways:
* LOTS of super smart and super creative people with dyslexia.
* We have only been reading as a culture for the last 5000 years. Before that there were people with dyslexia and it did not matter because they were not asked to use the part of the brain that is best suited for understanding symbols that turn into words. They were probably the leaders of those times because they could see the big picture!
* Dyslexia can be seen in brain scans - a complete different part of the brain lights up when people with dyslexia read.
* No two people have the same kind of dyslexia - how it affects a person is different in everyone. So there is no one way to tackle the issue.
* Dyslexia is truly a gift if you can learn to manage it enough to make it thru school with your self esteem in tact.
* Every teacher should be required to watch this documentary.
* LOTS of super smart and super creative people with dyslexia.
* We have only been reading as a culture for the last 5000 years. Before that there were people with dyslexia and it did not matter because they were not asked to use the part of the brain that is best suited for understanding symbols that turn into words. They were probably the leaders of those times because they could see the big picture!
* Dyslexia can be seen in brain scans - a complete different part of the brain lights up when people with dyslexia read.
* No two people have the same kind of dyslexia - how it affects a person is different in everyone. So there is no one way to tackle the issue.
* Dyslexia is truly a gift if you can learn to manage it enough to make it thru school with your self esteem in tact.
* Every teacher should be required to watch this documentary.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Words for Thought
"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
Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
― Howard Thurman
Ding Dong the Pumpkins Dead
I am DONE with the giant pumpkin experiment. The darn thing finally grew a pumpkin, it got to the size of a softball and now its rotting!
Next up....a fountain in that spot!
Next up....a fountain in that spot!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday Morning Sports Round up
Football:
The game ended in a loss for VC but Drew played great and LOVED it. He started and played all defensive plays and one offensive play. He had 3 sacks and a forced fumble. Pretty good for his first game - ever - of football and after only one week of practice! If the gene for football exists, I think he inherited it from his dad!
Jim, Grandpa Roy and Drew were in Fresno all day - they got home at midnite after watching the Freshman, JV and Varsity games!
Soccer:
Rough soccer weekend! Girls lost both games: 2 to 0 and 1 to 0. We can't seem to get one in the net and we have no subs for defense so our poor defensive players are being run into the ground. On a positive soccer note, we made $437 in our sno cone booth at opening day! The girls had a game right in the middle of the day, so a couple of the older brothers ran the booth for the girls!
The game ended in a loss for VC but Drew played great and LOVED it. He started and played all defensive plays and one offensive play. He had 3 sacks and a forced fumble. Pretty good for his first game - ever - of football and after only one week of practice! If the gene for football exists, I think he inherited it from his dad!
Jim, Grandpa Roy and Drew were in Fresno all day - they got home at midnite after watching the Freshman, JV and Varsity games!
Soccer:
Rough soccer weekend! Girls lost both games: 2 to 0 and 1 to 0. We can't seem to get one in the net and we have no subs for defense so our poor defensive players are being run into the ground. On a positive soccer note, we made $437 in our sno cone booth at opening day! The girls had a game right in the middle of the day, so a couple of the older brothers ran the booth for the girls!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Religious Relic
My mom gave me this Catholic religious relic that is a family heirloom. As a religion lesson, here is what a relic is:
"First-Class Relics: Items directly associated with the events of Christ's life (manger, cross, etc.), or the physical remains of a saint (a bone, a hair, skull, a limb, etc.). Traditionally, a martyr's relics are often more prized than the relics of other saints. Also, some saints' relics are known for their extraordinary incorruptibility and so would have high regard. Parts of the saint that were significant to that saint's life are more prized relics. For instance, King St. Stephen of Hungary's right forearm is especially important because of his status as a ruler. A famous theologian's head may be his most important relic."
This is a relic from 3 different saints. If you open the cross, the back of it has pieces of "something" in the wax. My mom had others that were made out of Saints bones or had Saints hair, but those creeped me out! So I chose this one which is quite beautiful. The idea is to use it to pray with.
I am considering leaving it in the mini so it keeps us safe while we are driving it.
"First-Class Relics: Items directly associated with the events of Christ's life (manger, cross, etc.), or the physical remains of a saint (a bone, a hair, skull, a limb, etc.). Traditionally, a martyr's relics are often more prized than the relics of other saints. Also, some saints' relics are known for their extraordinary incorruptibility and so would have high regard. Parts of the saint that were significant to that saint's life are more prized relics. For instance, King St. Stephen of Hungary's right forearm is especially important because of his status as a ruler. A famous theologian's head may be his most important relic."
This is a relic from 3 different saints. If you open the cross, the back of it has pieces of "something" in the wax. My mom had others that were made out of Saints bones or had Saints hair, but those creeped me out! So I chose this one which is quite beautiful. The idea is to use it to pray with.
I am considering leaving it in the mini so it keeps us safe while we are driving it.
First Game
Drew is off to Fresno to play his first football game of his life! All the teams are going in buses together. Then they have a big team lunch when they get there, followed by Freshman game at 2, JV at 4:30 and Varsity at 7.
It's going to be a long but fun day!
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Weed Man
There is a guy in our neighborhood who walks ALLLLLL around the neighborhood and kicks all the weeds out of the cracks in the sidewalk. We see him all the time and covering an area of about 9 square miles!
He clearly has something that is not "quite right" with him. But he is delightful - he always looks well put together and smiles and waves as he is doing his "job". We often talk about him and wonder if he goes thru a bunch of shoes with all the kicking and scraping of the sidewalk that he does.
Well....today I saw him with a BROOM and I was thrilled for him....he improved his process! It tickled me to think about how excited he must be with that broom!
He clearly has something that is not "quite right" with him. But he is delightful - he always looks well put together and smiles and waves as he is doing his "job". We often talk about him and wonder if he goes thru a bunch of shoes with all the kicking and scraping of the sidewalk that he does.
Well....today I saw him with a BROOM and I was thrilled for him....he improved his process! It tickled me to think about how excited he must be with that broom!
New Mini Key
I ordered a new mini key last nite and was RELIEVED that it was ONLY $83.41! I could have got the one with the electronic key fob but that was $199! My response...."ah, no....we will suffer and unlock the door by ourselves!"
I just bought some new house lock keys and those were only $1.99! Seriously, my house has all my most important possessions in it and the key costs less than two dollars! And my mini that doesn't have the room to hold ANYTHING important is close to one hundred dollars.
That's just dumb!
I just bought some new house lock keys and those were only $1.99! Seriously, my house has all my most important possessions in it and the key costs less than two dollars! And my mini that doesn't have the room to hold ANYTHING important is close to one hundred dollars.
That's just dumb!
The Good Son
Drew's Grandmas and Grandpas act as his personal taxi drivers for all his activities. We have an elaborate schedule for them to make sure all his events are covered.
Last nite, we were chatting and he asked who was taking him this morning. I told him and then he proceeded to tell me that he really enjoys the time he spends with his Grandmas and what he likes about each Grandma when they drive him places:
* He likes talking to Grandma Anna about sports and football!
* He likes talking to Grandma Kathy about the news and how Pepper got a bad hair cut!
A friend once told me that she was so impressed with how good Drew is to his grandparents and how respectful he is to them. Last nite I realized it is really much more than that.....he truly enjoys the relationship he has with them and appreciates the enrichment they bring to his life.
Regardless of his up and down grades, his occassional teenage grumpiness or anything else I might complain about, I see the man he is growing into and I could not be prouder. He is a good, kind, empathetic teenager who is growing into a man who will make a tremendous husband and father.
And.....I know, he will always be a good son to me!
Last nite, we were chatting and he asked who was taking him this morning. I told him and then he proceeded to tell me that he really enjoys the time he spends with his Grandmas and what he likes about each Grandma when they drive him places:
* He likes talking to Grandma Anna about sports and football!
* He likes talking to Grandma Kathy about the news and how Pepper got a bad hair cut!
A friend once told me that she was so impressed with how good Drew is to his grandparents and how respectful he is to them. Last nite I realized it is really much more than that.....he truly enjoys the relationship he has with them and appreciates the enrichment they bring to his life.
Regardless of his up and down grades, his occassional teenage grumpiness or anything else I might complain about, I see the man he is growing into and I could not be prouder. He is a good, kind, empathetic teenager who is growing into a man who will make a tremendous husband and father.
And.....I know, he will always be a good son to me!
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Ahi Update
Ahi's foot seems better. I didn't take a walk with her yesterday so she would rest it.
But Daisy and I snuck out the door and went without her. When we were coming back from our walk, I could hear Ahi screaming from a block away. She was upstairs in Gracie's window letting out these crazy screeches! Clearly, the sneaking away did not work!
But Daisy and I snuck out the door and went without her. When we were coming back from our walk, I could hear Ahi screaming from a block away. She was upstairs in Gracie's window letting out these crazy screeches! Clearly, the sneaking away did not work!
Mini Key
I need to get another key for my mini and imagine my surprise when I got the cost estimate:
$175 to $345!!!
Yikes!
$175 to $345!!!
Yikes!
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Happy Birthday Daisy Mae
This is what a lab looks like when
they are 8 years old - Happy Birthday Daisy Mae!
Monday, September 05, 2011
3 legged Ahi
Poor little Ahi has a hurt foot and is walking around on 3 legs. It is making everyone so sad!
Friday, September 02, 2011
Really?
So I put money into my flexible spending account for our ed therapy expenses. I do the max amount which is $3000 because that is $3000 I am not taxed on.
Once a year, I submit the paperwork for reimbursement of the entire $3000 and provide receipts for the ed therapy. This expense is reimbursable because I have a "medical necessity form" completed by our doctor.
Well, today I got a call that our claim was denied because the medical necessity form was from 2009.
Really???? Do you think that the dyslexia was cured since 2009? I WISH dyslexia was curable!!!
I can't even call them back right now because I would laugh at them!
Once a year, I submit the paperwork for reimbursement of the entire $3000 and provide receipts for the ed therapy. This expense is reimbursable because I have a "medical necessity form" completed by our doctor.
Well, today I got a call that our claim was denied because the medical necessity form was from 2009.
Really???? Do you think that the dyslexia was cured since 2009? I WISH dyslexia was curable!!!
I can't even call them back right now because I would laugh at them!
Woot!
We have a football player!
Drew was finally released by the trainer to play yesterday. And he came home all FIRED up about it!
The coaches took one look at his giant self in his pads and started re-thinking his positioning. They had him playing defensive end and he was excited to get his hands on the quarterback 4 times!
Now today he is all beat to hell with bruises and scratches.
Should be a fun season!
Drew was finally released by the trainer to play yesterday. And he came home all FIRED up about it!
The coaches took one look at his giant self in his pads and started re-thinking his positioning. They had him playing defensive end and he was excited to get his hands on the quarterback 4 times!
Now today he is all beat to hell with bruises and scratches.
Should be a fun season!
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