Q: Is there anything that gets you mad?
A:"I don't like things that tend to be didactic. I certainly try not to be in my writing. I like it when people raise questions and are encouraged to be thoughtful. I don't think you can tell anybody what to think you have to educate people so they can think for themselves."
Friday, September 29, 2006
Thanks for being such great friends
Have you ever noticed that when you are around fun happy people you tend to be more fun and happy. I am sure you have because this isn't a new revelation by any means! I am sure I have even wrote something similar about this before but I just have to say it again.
At lunch today we went to the corner bakery (I believe that was the name) and even though the conversation was a little intense at times it was a great lunch! It was great because of the company that I was with. (We were missing a couple people and if they were with us it would have been just as pleasant.) While I was sitting there listening to the conversation I realized that I am going to remain friends with these people the rest of my life, that is how wonderful all of them are.
Thanks for being such great friends guys. I'm so happy we all found each other.
At lunch today we went to the corner bakery (I believe that was the name) and even though the conversation was a little intense at times it was a great lunch! It was great because of the company that I was with. (We were missing a couple people and if they were with us it would have been just as pleasant.) While I was sitting there listening to the conversation I realized that I am going to remain friends with these people the rest of my life, that is how wonderful all of them are.
Thanks for being such great friends guys. I'm so happy we all found each other.
What a fun meeting.
Tonight at Girl Scouts we made bags for the girls (and the leader and assistant leader) to carry all of our GS stuff in. They are so cute. We cut different shapes out of material and ironed on this iron on paper then we took the paper off and ironed it onto the bag. After that we used fabric paint and outlined it. They turned out so cute! It was such a fun meeting I was sad to see it end. If I get a chance I will take a picture of Kaylee holding hers so I can show it off.
I hate healthy food, doesn't everyone know that?
OK, I think you have figured out that they are trying to get everyone healthy at my work. That is completely fine and I am so happy they are doing it. We need to be more health conscious about everything we do to try and prolong our lives a little bit. Unfortunately they seem to be going about some of it the wrong way....in my opinion.
Today the Fun Team (that I am a part of) made up a bunch of different Fair foods to kick off the Fair starting today. We all agreed that it was a great idea and I still think it is. It gets everyone together for a few minutes to talk about different things before we get back to work. After it was done one of the "big guys" sent an email that there is to be no more junk food only "healthy food" from now on. It came across as being rather rude but I am told that he didn't mean it that way so who knows. This email caused a huge uproar. Of course not to his face but it was all over the office. One person said to me....."what about birthday cakes? what about the stuffing that we have for 4th quarter luncheon? Are we just going to do away with that? I told her I didn't know and we will have to see what happens.
If this is the way we are going to go you know I won't be eating there. I am all about the junk food. Healthy food.....YUCK! Diet food.....YUCK! There are so few foods that I actually do like that I am sure I just won't be eating there anymore if this "new healthy food" thing happens. There are some things I will eat....I love veggies as long as they are covered in ranch dressing....is that healthy, I doubt it! Some fruits are ok but most of them I don't really like.....yep starvation time is heading my way! Bright side, I will lose even more weight because not only will I be working out at the fantastic gym (see that attitude change there....I am trying to convince myself) but I won't be eating so even more pounds will fall off of me! (yeah right!)
Today the Fun Team (that I am a part of) made up a bunch of different Fair foods to kick off the Fair starting today. We all agreed that it was a great idea and I still think it is. It gets everyone together for a few minutes to talk about different things before we get back to work. After it was done one of the "big guys" sent an email that there is to be no more junk food only "healthy food" from now on. It came across as being rather rude but I am told that he didn't mean it that way so who knows. This email caused a huge uproar. Of course not to his face but it was all over the office. One person said to me....."what about birthday cakes? what about the stuffing that we have for 4th quarter luncheon? Are we just going to do away with that? I told her I didn't know and we will have to see what happens.
If this is the way we are going to go you know I won't be eating there. I am all about the junk food. Healthy food.....YUCK! Diet food.....YUCK! There are so few foods that I actually do like that I am sure I just won't be eating there anymore if this "new healthy food" thing happens. There are some things I will eat....I love veggies as long as they are covered in ranch dressing....is that healthy, I doubt it! Some fruits are ok but most of them I don't really like.....yep starvation time is heading my way! Bright side, I will lose even more weight because not only will I be working out at the fantastic gym (see that attitude change there....I am trying to convince myself) but I won't be eating so even more pounds will fall off of me! (yeah right!)
The Fitness Center
I have had my membership for 3 days now and I still haven't gone.....this membership isn't looking to good for me!
I am going to have to make up a tape recording saying "I love to exercise, 24 Hour Fitness is the best gym in the world".......bla bla bla. I have got get this attitude changed
I am going to have to make up a tape recording saying "I love to exercise, 24 Hour Fitness is the best gym in the world".......bla bla bla. I have got get this attitude changed
Hollywoodland
Donette, Eileen and I went and watched this movie yesterday. It is getting 4 out of 5 stars from the critics but my friend Laura told me not to bother with it, she said the acting was horrible. Thankfully I like to make up my own mind about things and didn't listen to her. All 3 of us liked it. Not the best movie I have ever seen but it wasn't horrible by any means. I really like Adrian Brody so even if it was horrible I am sure I would have liked it because he is in it. He reminds me of my brother so much that I am usually mesmerized as I watch him act!
Me weed eat....I don't think so!
I'm not sure if I have told you but I can't weed-eat. It is just a task that I am not capable of. The one time I tried it I accidently whacked Matts leg. He was not happy with me and said a few choice words to let me know. I guess I don't blame him. I am sure I would have done the same if he did it to me only I would have had tears streaming down my face as I said them!
Well yesterday was a new day for me.....I attempted weed-eating and I actually did it! I had to have Matt start it for me but I did it all! I believe I did a pretty good job also. I was also going to edge but my arm was hurting from holding up the weed-eater and it vibrating so I opted to do that another day, maybe tomorrow if I can get it to start (not holding my breath on that, I can't even pull the string all the way out!)
The next time I write a blog like this I will change the title to I can weed-eat and I am proud of it!
Well yesterday was a new day for me.....I attempted weed-eating and I actually did it! I had to have Matt start it for me but I did it all! I believe I did a pretty good job also. I was also going to edge but my arm was hurting from holding up the weed-eater and it vibrating so I opted to do that another day, maybe tomorrow if I can get it to start (not holding my breath on that, I can't even pull the string all the way out!)
The next time I write a blog like this I will change the title to I can weed-eat and I am proud of it!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
24 Hour Fitness
The fitness gurus came to work today and gave a presentation about joining their club. The only reason I attended the meeting was for the free food (I'm all about the office feeding me) I had no intention of joining their club. Those of you that REALLY know me know that I am lazy....I am constantly going but I don't think of it as exercise. I think of it as something that I do. Honestly I don't know how to exercise. I have attempted to use a treadmill but that didn't last a week. I hated it! It was so boring to me and I was even watching TV while I did it. I prefer to sit in the chair snacking on something while watching the television rather then doing some boring exercise. Then I attempted crunches to try and tone up my tummy.....again didn't last a week. Another thing that I hated so I stopped doing it.
Well the fitness guru's enchanted me a little bit so I actually listened to what they had to say.
I love the thought of being one of those people you see running in the neighborhood. The idea is wonderful.
I would love to be one of those people you see on TV exercising in the gym. The thought is wonderful.....
can I do it? That is the question of the day.
Well they enchanted me and I signed up for the stupid thing.
Will I utilize it? I have no idea.
Am I regretting signing up? Absolutely!
My motivation is that if I go at least 8 times a month I will be reimbursed so I at least have to do that to get my money back. My final decision will be after that. I am signed up for a personal training for 5, 30 minute sessions. I guess they are going to teach my how to work the machines and tell me what I should be eating and what I shouldn't be eating.....that won't go very far though. I don't diet because I hate the taste of diet food and there is such few foods that I actually do like that I will end up starving to death.
The next problem is the closest 24 Hour Fitness is in Mesquite.....I do not feel good about this. It isn't my favorite town but I guess if I go during the day it should be ok. Just have to remember to not go there at night. They are putting one out here but it won't be until Jan or Feb when it is done. I hope I can hang on that long.
I will keep you posted on my "look on life" attitude. I certainly hope I can keep this up.
Well the fitness guru's enchanted me a little bit so I actually listened to what they had to say.
I love the thought of being one of those people you see running in the neighborhood. The idea is wonderful.
I would love to be one of those people you see on TV exercising in the gym. The thought is wonderful.....
can I do it? That is the question of the day.
Well they enchanted me and I signed up for the stupid thing.
Will I utilize it? I have no idea.
Am I regretting signing up? Absolutely!
My motivation is that if I go at least 8 times a month I will be reimbursed so I at least have to do that to get my money back. My final decision will be after that. I am signed up for a personal training for 5, 30 minute sessions. I guess they are going to teach my how to work the machines and tell me what I should be eating and what I shouldn't be eating.....that won't go very far though. I don't diet because I hate the taste of diet food and there is such few foods that I actually do like that I will end up starving to death.
The next problem is the closest 24 Hour Fitness is in Mesquite.....I do not feel good about this. It isn't my favorite town but I guess if I go during the day it should be ok. Just have to remember to not go there at night. They are putting one out here but it won't be until Jan or Feb when it is done. I hope I can hang on that long.
I will keep you posted on my "look on life" attitude. I certainly hope I can keep this up.
February 5
My little Aaron keeps me on my toes. Some days I wonder how he comes up with this stuff. He has a very active imagination and I have a dream that someday he will be a successful writer and makes lots of money.
He brought this up a couple months ago and now he is back on this kick with a little bit of a twist. His birthday is February 6th....has been his entire life (in case you didn't know that) but a few months ago he decided that he wanted it to be February 5 (just the number....he doesn't put the th at the end of it) because February 5 comes before February 6th. Well today he told me that he has changed it to February 5 and the reason behind it is he is 5 years old so when he turns 6 he will change it to February 6th.
He also is quite the ladies man.....he only talks about girls in his school. Hannah T is his best friend. He also really likes Hannah C and Melanie and today he told me that he met a new friend in a different class. I asked him what his name was and he informed me that she is a girl and he doesn't remember her name. What a sweet little boy I have......definite ladies man.
He brought this up a couple months ago and now he is back on this kick with a little bit of a twist. His birthday is February 6th....has been his entire life (in case you didn't know that) but a few months ago he decided that he wanted it to be February 5 (just the number....he doesn't put the th at the end of it) because February 5 comes before February 6th. Well today he told me that he has changed it to February 5 and the reason behind it is he is 5 years old so when he turns 6 he will change it to February 6th.
He also is quite the ladies man.....he only talks about girls in his school. Hannah T is his best friend. He also really likes Hannah C and Melanie and today he told me that he met a new friend in a different class. I asked him what his name was and he informed me that she is a girl and he doesn't remember her name. What a sweet little boy I have......definite ladies man.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Kaylee's private book
In a past blog I told you that Kaylee's best friend McKenzie told her that in 4th grade they will go through puberty. I will not lie to you and tell you that this didn't scare me because it REALLY scared me. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what to say at all so I kind of brushed it off. I told her a little bit and then I changed the subject. Well I was talking to some moms that I know and we were talking about all of our little girls going through this little stage of their lives. Shelbies mom told me that she found a book that she gave to Shelbi to help her better understand things. Talks about everything from haircare to more personal girl things. I checked it out online and it looked good so I ordered it. I was pretty impressed when it came in, it is all about puberty but on a childs level (or shall I say young girls level). That night I gave it to her and I told her this book was just for her and that we could either read it together or she could read it by herself and if she had any questions she could come to me and ask me (about anything) she opted to read it herself and has actually came to me a couple times and told me things and asked me questions (one thing was haircare.....you are not to use blow dryers or curling irons on your hair because it ruins your hair. She doesn't think I should use these anymore.....not that I have in months because I am lazy but every once in a while I still do) And then there were a few other questions that I will not type out because they are private. I think the book is doing her a lot of good so if you want the name let me know and I will forward it to you.
Well, my little angel did something I told her not to do. I tried to explain to her that this book is just for her and that it is to be kept private but it didn't work out that way. She took it along on our leader/daughter camp out and told Amelia all about it! (and showed it to her also) I couldn't believe it. Actually I can because that is what little girls do, they "talk" but I thought I made it pretty clear to her to keep it quiet. Apparently not. Thankfully Karen didn't get upset and she too understands that the girls are at a critical age and it is time to start talking to them about this stuff because if we don't they will still learn about it from their friends at school. It is better to come from us with the actual facts then little Jane down the street who doesn't really know what is going on.
Lesson learned on this little trip is......................kids talk! If you think they don't know something just because you haven't told them think again! All kids talk about this stuff. Suck it up (as a friend of mine use to say) and talk to your kids. Stop trying to hide things from them. If they have questions answer them honestly.
Well, my little angel did something I told her not to do. I tried to explain to her that this book is just for her and that it is to be kept private but it didn't work out that way. She took it along on our leader/daughter camp out and told Amelia all about it! (and showed it to her also) I couldn't believe it. Actually I can because that is what little girls do, they "talk" but I thought I made it pretty clear to her to keep it quiet. Apparently not. Thankfully Karen didn't get upset and she too understands that the girls are at a critical age and it is time to start talking to them about this stuff because if we don't they will still learn about it from their friends at school. It is better to come from us with the actual facts then little Jane down the street who doesn't really know what is going on.
Lesson learned on this little trip is......................kids talk! If you think they don't know something just because you haven't told them think again! All kids talk about this stuff. Suck it up (as a friend of mine use to say) and talk to your kids. Stop trying to hide things from them. If they have questions answer them honestly.
busy yet relaxing day
At work today I seemed to be flying by the seat of my pants the entire day! Aren't these days just the worst.......normally I would say yes but today was different. It was a definite go with the flow type of day yet it went by very fast.
I called Kaylee at 3:30 to make sure she was started on her homework and she said she was just getting it right out of her bag as we spoke (yeah right! I humored her though) When I got home she was about 1/2 way done with it. That is pretty good. That is so much better then none of it done.
I took her to golf and Aaron had to come with, I told him not to because today I wasn't going to be able to stay and watch, I had to go to the bank and deposit some checks that I have been carrying around for over a month and I had to get gas and at the last minute decided to wash my car. Little bit boring for Aaron but he wanted to come with and his homework was done so I couldn't say no.....maybe next time he will listen to me (another yeah right there) When we got back to the golf coarse Kaylee was finishing up. Again she told me how much fun she had! She is loving golf (next Tiger Woods here we come) We watched her hit a couple balls and I think she is pretty good. I don't have anything or anyone to compare her to but it looked good to me. As we walked back to the car she told me that she wants to buy a golf club set (is that what they are called? There might be a more technical name but you know what I am talking about right.) She went on and on and on and on about how much fun it is. She even told me that golfing with daddy wasn't that fun before because she didn't know what she was doing but now she does and she is ready to head to the golf coarse with him and play a round of golf. Isn't that funny! I know that she had fun with matt when they went before but she is right, she didn't know what she was exactly doing and now that she knows a little more she is ready to do it. She also told me that she isn't scared anymore. (I think you all remember her unfortunate accident when her dad whacked her with the club and she had to get stitches (along with the horriblely swollen eye and it was black and blue as could be) and then when she got the stitches out her brother somehow (still haven't figured this one out) kicked her in the head and made her get more stitches because it opened the wound up again) anyway she hasn't gone golfing with her dad since it happened (except mini-golf) and now she is ready for it again. That was one reason why I put her into this program....to get her over her fear and get out there again. Obviously it has worked (pat myself on the back for this one)
When we got home she had to finish her homework. She was done by 8:45.....it is a miracle! She did it it......YEAH!!!!! Then shower time, then piano and now she is reading her book.
We have made some progress this week........It is about time.
I called Kaylee at 3:30 to make sure she was started on her homework and she said she was just getting it right out of her bag as we spoke (yeah right! I humored her though) When I got home she was about 1/2 way done with it. That is pretty good. That is so much better then none of it done.
I took her to golf and Aaron had to come with, I told him not to because today I wasn't going to be able to stay and watch, I had to go to the bank and deposit some checks that I have been carrying around for over a month and I had to get gas and at the last minute decided to wash my car. Little bit boring for Aaron but he wanted to come with and his homework was done so I couldn't say no.....maybe next time he will listen to me (another yeah right there) When we got back to the golf coarse Kaylee was finishing up. Again she told me how much fun she had! She is loving golf (next Tiger Woods here we come) We watched her hit a couple balls and I think she is pretty good. I don't have anything or anyone to compare her to but it looked good to me. As we walked back to the car she told me that she wants to buy a golf club set (is that what they are called? There might be a more technical name but you know what I am talking about right.) She went on and on and on and on about how much fun it is. She even told me that golfing with daddy wasn't that fun before because she didn't know what she was doing but now she does and she is ready to head to the golf coarse with him and play a round of golf. Isn't that funny! I know that she had fun with matt when they went before but she is right, she didn't know what she was exactly doing and now that she knows a little more she is ready to do it. She also told me that she isn't scared anymore. (I think you all remember her unfortunate accident when her dad whacked her with the club and she had to get stitches (along with the horriblely swollen eye and it was black and blue as could be) and then when she got the stitches out her brother somehow (still haven't figured this one out) kicked her in the head and made her get more stitches because it opened the wound up again) anyway she hasn't gone golfing with her dad since it happened (except mini-golf) and now she is ready for it again. That was one reason why I put her into this program....to get her over her fear and get out there again. Obviously it has worked (pat myself on the back for this one)
When we got home she had to finish her homework. She was done by 8:45.....it is a miracle! She did it it......YEAH!!!!! Then shower time, then piano and now she is reading her book.
We have made some progress this week........It is about time.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Weekend Wrap-Up
What a fun/exhausting weekend! It started out Friday after work with leader - daughter camping. Karen and I headed out to camp with Kaylee and Amelia for a fun filled weekend of girl scouting! We arrived at 7 that night. We didn't do a lot that night but we did get together with all the other leaders and daughters and had a fun evening. We headed back tot he cabin and got ready for bed. The girls fell asleep pretty fast but Karen and I stayed up a while and discussed Stampin Up stuff. We attempted to go to sleep after we found out it was 1:00. It was so hot that I don't think I got more then an hour of sleep. At one point I got up and walked to the restroom to get some cold towels to put on my neck to see if that would work. I was miserable and a little bit grouchy. We all got up about 7:30 that morning to get ready for our day. We went and had breakfast at lodge and then our day started. The girls went and did some archery and then they went horse-back riding. (and wouldn't you know it my battery went dead at the archery range.....Karen said she would make me copies of hers though so at least I will get some more photos) We were doing a scavenger hunt the whole weekend. We attempted to do compass capers but little did we know (and I am putting this out there so the rest of you don't make the same mistake as we did) little key-chain compasses are toys. Buy a real compass if you really want it to work. This info might have been a little bit better for me if I would have known it before but now I know. There was knot tieing also but we were busy in our cabin doing some card playing and scrap booking so we missed it. Karen took the girls to the Junior archery training at 3.....while I packed my car to head back to town. They all said it was fun and they learned a lot and they got to shoot the arrow one time before the rain started. They went on a night hike last night and this morning was clean up and go home. They walked in the door about 2:00 with lots of stories. It was a wonderful time for all (except the sleeping in the heat....Karen told me that last night was lot better and that she actually got a little cold)
Now on to today and going to B of Team BKs house. What a blast! First of all your house is absolutely beautiful and Rhada is a wonderful cook! The kids played fantastically but I do think Aaron might have got Yash into a little bit of trouble at times.....like the filling the cup water to put "oil" in the car outside.....classic Aaron. Sorry if he taught him a bad habit there. Rhada did stop them in their tracks and told them no so hopefully it was nipped in the bud before it became a problem. We played the card game 31, have you ever played this? Lots of fun....I didn't win but do I ever? NO, so it was all good. We had such a wonderful time and I am so happy that we went. Aaron is still talking about it. It is always good to see the people that you work with out of their "normal element" you go to work with them Monday through Friday and to see them on the weekend in regular clothes......it was just great!
Now on to today and going to B of Team BKs house. What a blast! First of all your house is absolutely beautiful and Rhada is a wonderful cook! The kids played fantastically but I do think Aaron might have got Yash into a little bit of trouble at times.....like the filling the cup water to put "oil" in the car outside.....classic Aaron. Sorry if he taught him a bad habit there. Rhada did stop them in their tracks and told them no so hopefully it was nipped in the bud before it became a problem. We played the card game 31, have you ever played this? Lots of fun....I didn't win but do I ever? NO, so it was all good. We had such a wonderful time and I am so happy that we went. Aaron is still talking about it. It is always good to see the people that you work with out of their "normal element" you go to work with them Monday through Friday and to see them on the weekend in regular clothes......it was just great!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
No rooftop whispering for me
Ok, I didn't whisper it from the rooftops today that I am 31 but Aaron did ask me how old I was and I told him that I am 31. Tomorrow is a totally different game though......I am back to 27.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
How Much is Too Much?
Here is an article B of Team BK found and put on his blog. I copied (hope you don't mind B) I am going to critique this a little bit more at a later date.
Here is a good article on How Much is Too Much?
We all know a kid like this: the one who gets off the school bus and goes straight to soccer practice, eats a take-out dinner in the car on the way to Scouts or chess, and gets back home just in time to fall into bed at 10PM.
Or, there's the kid who competes in two sports, plays a musical instrument, goes for private tutoring or takes computer or foreign language classes--all on top of a full day at school.
Maybe you see your own child in one of these descriptions. Sometimes kids like this make me think I'm failing my own two by not providing them with enough "advantages" or extras. Other times I think that these kids are missing out on childhood.
Offer: Help Your Child Succeed
Where's the downtime? The time just to hang with friends, or read for pleasure, or whittle sticks? The time to play with the dog or draw on the sidewalk with chalk?
Some busy, active kids seem to thrive on a schedule that requires a Rolodex and spreadsheet to keep straight. Others are overwhelmed, heading for burnout at the age of eight or ten.
Seattle family therapist Flora Coughlin, MSW, says that some children are overloaded because of family pressures, and others due to their own desire to participate in these activities. Some kids experience such an intertwined combination of these two reasons for overload that it may be hard to distinguish one from the other.
Other factors, Coughlin says, include the changing structure of the family and neighborhoods. "Children are going to school outside of their neighborhoods, so we're making communities for them with sports and music and other activities," she says. "Another reason is that in households with two parents working, [the parents are] finding things to keep the kids as busy as they are."
Individual kids have different thresholds of activity and may also handle stress in different ways. Some kids might be so involved in their activities that they don't realize they're trying to do too much. As a parent, it is up to you to help determine when your kids are in over their heads. You should then set a reasonable schedule for your kids, one that everyone can live with most of the time.
Keep in mind the advice of Dr. Lois Nightingale, a psychotherapist in Yorba Linda, California, who says that when children truly have a passion for something and want to excel at it, they rarely feel too much stress or pressure. "It is more often when the parents are 'giving the child the opportunity they never had' that troubles start,"she says.
One thing's for certain: If the activities your children are doing are stressing YOU out, your children are definitely doing too much.
Burned-out mom or dad
The first rule of thumb for setting a schedule for a child is whether or not you, the parent, can handle that schedule.
A stressed-out, overtired parent is seldom a good parent. When we are exhausted from driving in rush hour traffic and hungry because there was no time for dinner, we are cranky, irritable, and maybe even rude to our kids. A stressed-out parent passes that stress on to his or her kids.
Before you agree to a schedule of after-school activities for your child, consider the time commitment for each activity, such as games and practices. Then consider all the extras you will be expected to do to support your child in this activity.
Will you need to help organize the activity? Make phone calls to other parents? Run car washes or auctions to raise money? Bake cookies?
It has taken me a long time to learn this lesson. I am always wildly optimistic about how much I can do at first. Then, when reality sets in (usually on a cold and rainy winter afternoon when the car is out of gas and I'm late to pick up a child), I kick myself. Hard.
If you find yourself in this situation, my advice is to bow out gracefully. Don't stay with a program if it isn't working for you or your child. Say, "We are sorry, but we have to drop this activity. We love it, and you are a great coach [or teacher, or adviser], but we are too overwhelmed."
Most of the parents I know work full time. Many have two or three children. I see them, standing by their cars like racecar drivers waiting for a signal, cell phones in hand, trying to make this all work.
Most of the parents I know are also in two-parent households, which means there are two people with driver's licenses and cell phones to help manage their kids' busy lives. I'm a single parent, which means there is only one of me for the two of them. So it's even more important that I don't overwhelm myself.
We have conflicts all the time. Even when the "regular" schedules don't conflict, the special events--concerts for example--throw a wrench into the works. The end of the school year, with sports banquets, parties for various clubs and activities, and concerts, is a nightmare. Some evenings this past spring we were triple-booked.
Here is a good article on How Much is Too Much?
We all know a kid like this: the one who gets off the school bus and goes straight to soccer practice, eats a take-out dinner in the car on the way to Scouts or chess, and gets back home just in time to fall into bed at 10PM.
Or, there's the kid who competes in two sports, plays a musical instrument, goes for private tutoring or takes computer or foreign language classes--all on top of a full day at school.
Maybe you see your own child in one of these descriptions. Sometimes kids like this make me think I'm failing my own two by not providing them with enough "advantages" or extras. Other times I think that these kids are missing out on childhood.
Offer: Help Your Child Succeed
Where's the downtime? The time just to hang with friends, or read for pleasure, or whittle sticks? The time to play with the dog or draw on the sidewalk with chalk?
Some busy, active kids seem to thrive on a schedule that requires a Rolodex and spreadsheet to keep straight. Others are overwhelmed, heading for burnout at the age of eight or ten.
Seattle family therapist Flora Coughlin, MSW, says that some children are overloaded because of family pressures, and others due to their own desire to participate in these activities. Some kids experience such an intertwined combination of these two reasons for overload that it may be hard to distinguish one from the other.
Other factors, Coughlin says, include the changing structure of the family and neighborhoods. "Children are going to school outside of their neighborhoods, so we're making communities for them with sports and music and other activities," she says. "Another reason is that in households with two parents working, [the parents are] finding things to keep the kids as busy as they are."
Individual kids have different thresholds of activity and may also handle stress in different ways. Some kids might be so involved in their activities that they don't realize they're trying to do too much. As a parent, it is up to you to help determine when your kids are in over their heads. You should then set a reasonable schedule for your kids, one that everyone can live with most of the time.
Keep in mind the advice of Dr. Lois Nightingale, a psychotherapist in Yorba Linda, California, who says that when children truly have a passion for something and want to excel at it, they rarely feel too much stress or pressure. "It is more often when the parents are 'giving the child the opportunity they never had' that troubles start,"she says.
One thing's for certain: If the activities your children are doing are stressing YOU out, your children are definitely doing too much.
Burned-out mom or dad
The first rule of thumb for setting a schedule for a child is whether or not you, the parent, can handle that schedule.
A stressed-out, overtired parent is seldom a good parent. When we are exhausted from driving in rush hour traffic and hungry because there was no time for dinner, we are cranky, irritable, and maybe even rude to our kids. A stressed-out parent passes that stress on to his or her kids.
Before you agree to a schedule of after-school activities for your child, consider the time commitment for each activity, such as games and practices. Then consider all the extras you will be expected to do to support your child in this activity.
Will you need to help organize the activity? Make phone calls to other parents? Run car washes or auctions to raise money? Bake cookies?
It has taken me a long time to learn this lesson. I am always wildly optimistic about how much I can do at first. Then, when reality sets in (usually on a cold and rainy winter afternoon when the car is out of gas and I'm late to pick up a child), I kick myself. Hard.
If you find yourself in this situation, my advice is to bow out gracefully. Don't stay with a program if it isn't working for you or your child. Say, "We are sorry, but we have to drop this activity. We love it, and you are a great coach [or teacher, or adviser], but we are too overwhelmed."
Most of the parents I know work full time. Many have two or three children. I see them, standing by their cars like racecar drivers waiting for a signal, cell phones in hand, trying to make this all work.
Most of the parents I know are also in two-parent households, which means there are two people with driver's licenses and cell phones to help manage their kids' busy lives. I'm a single parent, which means there is only one of me for the two of them. So it's even more important that I don't overwhelm myself.
We have conflicts all the time. Even when the "regular" schedules don't conflict, the special events--concerts for example--throw a wrench into the works. The end of the school year, with sports banquets, parties for various clubs and activities, and concerts, is a nightmare. Some evenings this past spring we were triple-booked.
it just doesn't matter
A friend at work told me that she can tell I am young.......birthdays just don't matter. (that isn't and exact quote but it is close)
I guess I shouldn't put so much pressure on Matt to remember it. He hasn't remembered it for 12 years why should he remember it now. (he could buy a calendar and write it on it but whatever) I don't like my birthday anyway right. I should be happy that he wasn't even going to bring it up.
All it is, is recognition, recognition of a day that I don't even like. I do know this yet my feelings have been extremely hurt and I can't seem to forgive him right now. How could my husband, one of the most important people in my life , never be able to remember my birthday?
I guess I shouldn't put so much pressure on Matt to remember it. He hasn't remembered it for 12 years why should he remember it now. (he could buy a calendar and write it on it but whatever) I don't like my birthday anyway right. I should be happy that he wasn't even going to bring it up.
All it is, is recognition, recognition of a day that I don't even like. I do know this yet my feelings have been extremely hurt and I can't seem to forgive him right now. How could my husband, one of the most important people in my life , never be able to remember my birthday?
Happy Birthday to me
I am 31 today. I haven't said it outloud yet but writing on my blog is pretty big step for me. Those of you that know me know that I try to stay 27 but some of my so called friends won't let me so I am going to shout it from the roof tops tomorrow that I am 31 now and I am proud. Well maybe not shout it, maybe it will be more like a whisper but that is a pretty big improvement coming from me, and then the next day I will go back to 27. I only want to be 31 for 1 day. Please give me this.
The day started out ok....no one at my house wished me Happy Birthday before I left but it was early so who cares right? I met Donette and B of Team BK at Starbucks for a wonderful coffee break. They already had bought me my coffee by the time I got there so we just sat down and drank it. (thanks guys) B gave me a very nice balloon in recognition of this big day, thank you for thinking of me.....it is so nice to be thought of. We talked about my homework issues. B thinks that I might be putting to much pressure on Kaylee with her activities and that is why she doesn't want to do her homework and he might be right. I never thought I was putting to much pressure on her but maybe I am. Maybe I need to reevaluate what she does and take some activities out. I guess it all depends.....some people say to keep your kids busy and they will stay out of trouble and some people say if you have them in to many activities it will overwhelm them and cause other problems.....I just don't know. Both ways make sense to me and I don't know which one to do! Then we had to get to work.
About 10:00 I received a vase of flowers from Donette, they are so pretty! Thank you Donette I love them!
For lunch Susan, Eileen and I took Eboni out to eat for starting at Ribelin. She wanted to go to Red Lobster. I didn't say anything but Eileen asked me if I liked seafood and I said not really but that it was ok because it was Eboni's choice. Well she changed her mind when she found out that I really don't like the place, changed it to Outback, this isn't exactly my favorite place either but like I said it wasn't up to me it was her choice.....well Outback isn't open at noon so we had to choose another place and she decided on Olive Garden. I never once tried to persuade her that way but I was happy that she picked it! I LOVE Olive Garden! We had a very nice lunch with dessert (lemon cream cake....there is nothing like it in the world....try it!) Eboni seems like a very nice woman and I glad to have her as part of our team.
I called to make sure Matt was up at 2:30 and he was.....still nothing from him.
He called me about 3:50 to ask me if I knew where Kaylees piano folder was (sometimes it helps if you look but whatever) then he said to me "you know what tomorrow is?" I said "I have no idea what tomorrow is." then he said "ok well you know what today is right?" again I said "nope.....I have to go, bye" and I hung up. In the 12 years that we have been together he has never remembered my birthday. Most of the time he would start a couple days ahead of time so he would figure out the date but this time he didn't so he forgot my birthday. I was so upset with him that I haven't even said anything to him. Him and Kaylee went and got me flowers and a card and he made my favorite meal for supper but it was all bittersweet to me. I haven't even opened the card (Susan just like my dream) but I need to. That is from the kids also and I am not blaming them for this so I need to show a little bit of appreciation for their sakes. Suck it up (as a friend use to say)
The day started out ok....no one at my house wished me Happy Birthday before I left but it was early so who cares right? I met Donette and B of Team BK at Starbucks for a wonderful coffee break. They already had bought me my coffee by the time I got there so we just sat down and drank it. (thanks guys) B gave me a very nice balloon in recognition of this big day, thank you for thinking of me.....it is so nice to be thought of. We talked about my homework issues. B thinks that I might be putting to much pressure on Kaylee with her activities and that is why she doesn't want to do her homework and he might be right. I never thought I was putting to much pressure on her but maybe I am. Maybe I need to reevaluate what she does and take some activities out. I guess it all depends.....some people say to keep your kids busy and they will stay out of trouble and some people say if you have them in to many activities it will overwhelm them and cause other problems.....I just don't know. Both ways make sense to me and I don't know which one to do! Then we had to get to work.
About 10:00 I received a vase of flowers from Donette, they are so pretty! Thank you Donette I love them!
For lunch Susan, Eileen and I took Eboni out to eat for starting at Ribelin. She wanted to go to Red Lobster. I didn't say anything but Eileen asked me if I liked seafood and I said not really but that it was ok because it was Eboni's choice. Well she changed her mind when she found out that I really don't like the place, changed it to Outback, this isn't exactly my favorite place either but like I said it wasn't up to me it was her choice.....well Outback isn't open at noon so we had to choose another place and she decided on Olive Garden. I never once tried to persuade her that way but I was happy that she picked it! I LOVE Olive Garden! We had a very nice lunch with dessert (lemon cream cake....there is nothing like it in the world....try it!) Eboni seems like a very nice woman and I glad to have her as part of our team.
I called to make sure Matt was up at 2:30 and he was.....still nothing from him.
He called me about 3:50 to ask me if I knew where Kaylees piano folder was (sometimes it helps if you look but whatever) then he said to me "you know what tomorrow is?" I said "I have no idea what tomorrow is." then he said "ok well you know what today is right?" again I said "nope.....I have to go, bye" and I hung up. In the 12 years that we have been together he has never remembered my birthday. Most of the time he would start a couple days ahead of time so he would figure out the date but this time he didn't so he forgot my birthday. I was so upset with him that I haven't even said anything to him. Him and Kaylee went and got me flowers and a card and he made my favorite meal for supper but it was all bittersweet to me. I haven't even opened the card (Susan just like my dream) but I need to. That is from the kids also and I am not blaming them for this so I need to show a little bit of appreciation for their sakes. Suck it up (as a friend use to say)
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Positive reinforcements
I was talking to a friend of mine on the phone during soccer practice tonight....I don't normally do this but I had to talk to someone about my frustrations with this homework issue so I did it tonight rather then watch Aaron practice. I told her all of problems and that I have had and I warned Kaylee all extra activities will be taken away if she doesn't start taking some responsibility with her homework. I know that is a horrible threat but I have completely had it and I don't want to be the mean mom anymore that is always hounding her to get it done. If she can't do it after school when we have places to be that night she will be taken out of everything so that she can concentrate on it....anyway talking to my friend she told me that she went through it with her son also and he didn't wake up until 2 years ago when he failed a class and had to take summer school and miss their summer vacation because of it (yes they went without him....and he is a senior this year so he was old enough to stay home) I don't think I can take it that long so I have got to get this nipped in the bud NOW!!!!! She asked me if I was doing positive reinforcement with her when she did do it, telling her good job and way to go and so on and I haven't done that. I was raised that when it is something that is expected you don't get that but when you go above and beyond that is when you get the compliments. Which one do you do? Out in the real world just because you do the job that you are suppose to do every day doesn't mean you get complimented on it every day.....but if you go above and beyond that is when you are recognized. Yes you get your annual reviews of how good or bad you are doing but isn't your raise a little bit more when you put that little bit of extra into it? I think so. So I am still back to what do I do.........I might try the complimenting thing to see if it works and if it doesn't go to something else. It is obvious that what I am doing isn't working so changing it up a bit might help a little.
piano practice
Kaylee is practicing her piano right now and she called me in there to listen......she is playing Old McDonald had a Farm and did it really good. I gave her some good praise and told her that she was doing really good.
its 9:30
.....and we just finished homework! So frustrating! The only good thing about it is that she was doing it when I came home. I know she just started doing it but Aaron was done with his so I can't complain to much.
soccer practice
Saturday is pictures at soccer before the game, I have already had the pep talk with Aaron so that he will take the photo. Hopefully he will wake up in a good mood Saturday.....cross your fingers that he will take them.
Monday, September 18, 2006
.....and then we came home
Frustration once again on the home front. Kaylee and I got home at 7:30 and I told her to get her spelling out. She studied spelling as I helped Aaron with his homework. Aaron had to name letters then draw the upper case to the lower case....very easy stuff that he can do with no problems but he kept naming the wrong letters! Would call a U a P and would call a V a S very frustrating! I told him to stop it and concentrate on what he was doing and he would for the next couple letters but then he was back to goofing off again! Writing his name rather then the second A he would do a G or a P or whatever other letter he could think of! He was trying my patience tonight and I had enough!
Then comes Kaylee....we finally got her spelling done and I was going through her notebook to sign it and what do I come upon.....more homework! She lied to me! I was so upset with her that I couldn't even look at her. She went into her room and practiced her piano for 20 minutes then took a shower and is now in bed reading. I have done the unthinkable with her and I am ready to follow through with it...........I have informed her that she if she doesn't start to take some responsibility with her homework that she will no longer do extra curricular activities. I told her that I do not have to be running her all around the country and that if it doesn't change now that she will be taken out of all of them and she will sit at home so that she can make sure she finishes all of it.
How did I produce such a lazy child? I am by all means not lazy.....I do admit that I have lazy moments like last week I stayed in my PJs all day long but these weekends are very few and in between but I do have them. How do I change her? Does it take me taking her out of golf, piano and Juniors to do it (because I am at the point that I am getting ready to do it) or will that make everything worse? I don't know but I am my wits end with this little girl and I am starting to get bald spots because of the hair that I'm pulling out.
I know I told you that I was going to take a back seat with her and I am but there has to be a little bit of a push from me....you know get your homework out, study your spelling so we can test on it etc. I cannot leave it all up to her but for her to lie to me about homework.....what do I do with that? It is obvious that I cannot trust her to get it all done without my checking it.
HELP!!!!!!!!!
Then comes Kaylee....we finally got her spelling done and I was going through her notebook to sign it and what do I come upon.....more homework! She lied to me! I was so upset with her that I couldn't even look at her. She went into her room and practiced her piano for 20 minutes then took a shower and is now in bed reading. I have done the unthinkable with her and I am ready to follow through with it...........I have informed her that she if she doesn't start to take some responsibility with her homework that she will no longer do extra curricular activities. I told her that I do not have to be running her all around the country and that if it doesn't change now that she will be taken out of all of them and she will sit at home so that she can make sure she finishes all of it.
How did I produce such a lazy child? I am by all means not lazy.....I do admit that I have lazy moments like last week I stayed in my PJs all day long but these weekends are very few and in between but I do have them. How do I change her? Does it take me taking her out of golf, piano and Juniors to do it (because I am at the point that I am getting ready to do it) or will that make everything worse? I don't know but I am my wits end with this little girl and I am starting to get bald spots because of the hair that I'm pulling out.
I know I told you that I was going to take a back seat with her and I am but there has to be a little bit of a push from me....you know get your homework out, study your spelling so we can test on it etc. I cannot leave it all up to her but for her to lie to me about homework.....what do I do with that? It is obvious that I cannot trust her to get it all done without my checking it.
HELP!!!!!!!!!
golf
Tonight was Kaylees first golf lesson and it went really good. She was very excited at the end of it. She said she wants to go to the putting green this weekend....we can't because we are busy but at least she liked it.
I saw Jennifer from CCC there, her son Noah joined up also so I had someone to talk for a few minutes.
It was really nice and then we came home....................................
I saw Jennifer from CCC there, her son Noah joined up also so I had someone to talk for a few minutes.
It was really nice and then we came home....................................
Sunday, September 17, 2006
rain
It has been raining here all afternoon.....the clouds don't look like they are going to be letting up anytime soon. Yeah!
spending the night
Kaylee had a great time with her best friend. She can't wait to do it again. The only thing that she didn't like was she was bit up by ants on her feet. I told her she has to get the blisters popped but she has yet to do it....says it will hurt. I can't convince her that it will feel better. She didn't wear her shoes in church except walking in and out and up to the alter for communion.
I'm sure this isn't the last you will hear about her feet because she is such a drama queen!
I'm sure this isn't the last you will hear about her feet because she is such a drama queen!
Cars
Kaylee spent the night at McKinseys so Matt and I decided to go see the movie Cars with Aaron. It was really cute and Aaron LOVED it.....to quote him "it was awesome!" I did think it was a little long for a cartoon but Aaron enjoyed every second of it.
The movie was in a neighboring town that has a $1.00 theater and I must tell you it was very uncomfortable going there. We went to McDonald's first so that we were full when we got there and didn't have to buy their expensive popcorn and candy (didn't work) well there was trash everywhere! Then at the movie theater there was trash everywhere again and lots of people walking through the parking lot. I'm not saying they were trying to break into cars but that is popped into my head. As we were leaving I overheard a teenager say "we have to get out of here they called the cops" not exactly sure what that means but it can't be good. We will not be going back to theater any time soon. It made both Matt and I very uncomfortable. I thought to myself as we crossed the bridge back into our town what a relief to be back here where it is clean and safe. Now I know you are safe no where but we usually feel safe here, we didn't there.
The movie was in a neighboring town that has a $1.00 theater and I must tell you it was very uncomfortable going there. We went to McDonald's first so that we were full when we got there and didn't have to buy their expensive popcorn and candy (didn't work) well there was trash everywhere! Then at the movie theater there was trash everywhere again and lots of people walking through the parking lot. I'm not saying they were trying to break into cars but that is popped into my head. As we were leaving I overheard a teenager say "we have to get out of here they called the cops" not exactly sure what that means but it can't be good. We will not be going back to theater any time soon. It made both Matt and I very uncomfortable. I thought to myself as we crossed the bridge back into our town what a relief to be back here where it is clean and safe. Now I know you are safe no where but we usually feel safe here, we didn't there.
Codys Party
Cody had a swimming party for his birthday and my kids had so much fun. Donette said that she could see a lot of improvement with Aaron....he puts his face in the water now. They swam and played on the playground and just had a great time. They laughed when the kids broke into a food fight but didn't get a chance to participate with it....I wonder what I would have done if they started throwing food, maybe went into shock!
Mary said to me that she was watching Kaylee and was wondering who she was....she said she sat with perfect posture and when she was done eating she made sure she got the crumbs off the table before she threw her plate away, she said to herself.....whomever that is she is being raised right! Then she got close enough to see who it was so when she saw me she was sure to tell me. What a wonderful compliment.
Mary said to me that she was watching Kaylee and was wondering who she was....she said she sat with perfect posture and when she was done eating she made sure she got the crumbs off the table before she threw her plate away, she said to herself.....whomever that is she is being raised right! Then she got close enough to see who it was so when she saw me she was sure to tell me. What a wonderful compliment.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
soccer
Aaron's game was at 9:00 this morning and he did good again this week. He almost scored a goal but not quite....missed the net. He received the most Christ-Like bracelet from coach Kurt today.
Friday, September 15, 2006
another rambling blog
OK last night I didn't get a chance to write anything because we were at GS recruitment until 8:30 and then we came home and finished up homework....finished at 10:15. So I went to bed afterwards and didn't even think about writing a blog.
Tonight was the stampin up party and I must say it went pretty well. I had a lot of people show up (thank you everyone) and I think everyone had a good time. I know I did.
When I got home I called Amy. We talked for quite a while catching up with each other and then Sher called so I hung up with Amy to talk to her.
It was great talking to both I miss them.
Other then that there is nothing going on.....will be a pretty busy weekend so I'm sure I will lots more to write later.
Tonight was the stampin up party and I must say it went pretty well. I had a lot of people show up (thank you everyone) and I think everyone had a good time. I know I did.
When I got home I called Amy. We talked for quite a while catching up with each other and then Sher called so I hung up with Amy to talk to her.
It was great talking to both I miss them.
Other then that there is nothing going on.....will be a pretty busy weekend so I'm sure I will lots more to write later.
good rules to live by
This email was sent to me and I really liked it so i thought I would share it here......
ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.
ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Lucas Rossi is the new front man for Supernova
YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
As I told you last night I will not be supporting this band because Lucas was the winner. They had such awesome prospects and they chose this guy! What are they thinking?
As I told you last night I will not be supporting this band because Lucas was the winner. They had such awesome prospects and they chose this guy! What are they thinking?
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Nose is fine today
I have been very careful with my nose today. When I blow it I have made sure to be extra careful (I know thats gross but hey I'm just telling you how it is) Anyway no bloody noses today! Thank goodness. I will keep the humidifier on a couple more days just to be safe. I also thought maybe it was the vitamin C that I have been taking. I have been sick for almost 2 weeks now and I have been taking 1000 mgs to try and kick it out of me, well this morning I thought maybe I was getting to much so I didn't take any. And I have doubled up on my water in take in case that was it also......who knows why this started happening but hopefully I have it under control.
When I got home tonight Matt was making supper (yeah!) Aaron had a very difficult time eating and honestly I don't know if he finished it because after I was done I went outside to mow the front (not very smart since I have been sick but it was looking horrible and I had to get it done!) The kids rode their bikes and after I was done we went to Haydens for a little while. Then after we left there we went to Olivia and Tanners.....the kids played soccer in the front yard until dark and then we had to get home to take baths and get into bed. Its movie night and neither one wanted to watch an actual movie, Aaron wanted to Jetix and Kaylee wanted to watch Hannah Montana so Aaron is my room and Kaylee is in the living room....almost time to shut them both down and go sleep but I will give them a few more minutes.
Tonight was the final Rockstar Supernova.....I haven't watched it yet, to busy to stop everything just to sit down and watch TV so I turned the DVR on and it is waiting for me to curl up in my bed and enjoy a full hour of it. I hope they picked Toby or Magni but I have a feeling they picked yucky Lucas........just let it be known I Will not buy their CD if they picked him. I can forgive Dilana for her ignorance if she wins but Lucus is gross and I refuse to support him.
I guess thats all I have to say....very rambly tonight and I apologize for that but that is the sort of day that I had.
When I got home tonight Matt was making supper (yeah!) Aaron had a very difficult time eating and honestly I don't know if he finished it because after I was done I went outside to mow the front (not very smart since I have been sick but it was looking horrible and I had to get it done!) The kids rode their bikes and after I was done we went to Haydens for a little while. Then after we left there we went to Olivia and Tanners.....the kids played soccer in the front yard until dark and then we had to get home to take baths and get into bed. Its movie night and neither one wanted to watch an actual movie, Aaron wanted to Jetix and Kaylee wanted to watch Hannah Montana so Aaron is my room and Kaylee is in the living room....almost time to shut them both down and go sleep but I will give them a few more minutes.
Tonight was the final Rockstar Supernova.....I haven't watched it yet, to busy to stop everything just to sit down and watch TV so I turned the DVR on and it is waiting for me to curl up in my bed and enjoy a full hour of it. I hope they picked Toby or Magni but I have a feeling they picked yucky Lucas........just let it be known I Will not buy their CD if they picked him. I can forgive Dilana for her ignorance if she wins but Lucus is gross and I refuse to support him.
I guess thats all I have to say....very rambly tonight and I apologize for that but that is the sort of day that I had.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
bloody nose
OK something is going on with my nose. Yesterday while giving Aaron a bath I got a bloody nose.......Today at work I got a bloody nose. And tonight after soccer practice (thank goodness it was after) I got another bloody nose!
I looked up in medical book to see if said anything that was going on and it said the humidity could be down so I turned on my humidifier and am hoping that will do the trick.
I looked up in medical book to see if said anything that was going on and it said the humidity could be down so I turned on my humidifier and am hoping that will do the trick.
How long do Americans live?
I found this on a website today......Neither South Dakota nor Texas is even on here!
How long do Americans live?
The 25 U.S. counties with the highest and lowest life expectancy:
• LONGEST LIVES
County Average Life Expectancy
Clear Creek, Colo. 81.3
Eagle, Colo. 81.3
Gilpin, Colo. 81.3
Grand, Colo. 81.3
Jackson, Colo. 81.3
Park, Colo. 81.3
Summit, Colo. 81.3
Montgomery, Md. 81.3
Lyon, Iowa 81.3
Sioux, Iowa 81.3
Nicollet, Minn. 81.1
Story, Iowa 81.0
Carver, Minn. 81.0
Collier, Fla. 81.0
Benton, Ore. 80.9
Polk, Ore. 80.9
Fairfax City, Va. 80.9
Fairfax County, Va. 80.9
La Paz, Ariz. 80.9
Yuma, Ariz. 80.9
Winneshiek, Iowa 80.8
Morgan, Utah 80.8
Summit, Utah 80.8
Archuleta, Colo. 80.8
Gunnison, Colo. 80
How long do Americans live?
The 25 U.S. counties with the highest and lowest life expectancy:
• LONGEST LIVES
County Average Life Expectancy
Clear Creek, Colo. 81.3
Eagle, Colo. 81.3
Gilpin, Colo. 81.3
Grand, Colo. 81.3
Jackson, Colo. 81.3
Park, Colo. 81.3
Summit, Colo. 81.3
Montgomery, Md. 81.3
Lyon, Iowa 81.3
Sioux, Iowa 81.3
Nicollet, Minn. 81.1
Story, Iowa 81.0
Carver, Minn. 81.0
Collier, Fla. 81.0
Benton, Ore. 80.9
Polk, Ore. 80.9
Fairfax City, Va. 80.9
Fairfax County, Va. 80.9
La Paz, Ariz. 80.9
Yuma, Ariz. 80.9
Winneshiek, Iowa 80.8
Morgan, Utah 80.8
Summit, Utah 80.8
Archuleta, Colo. 80.8
Gunnison, Colo. 80
Monday, September 11, 2006
5 years
I can still remember the phone call that woke me up on this morning 5 years ago today. I had the day off because I had to work Saturday. Matt called and told me to turn on the TV to any channel because everyone was covering it. I watched the 2nd plane crash into the 2nd tower with horror. We watched it pretty much all day long.
I didn't know anyone directly that was killed this day but I did know a couple people that knew people.
It was a horrible tragedy and I pray that it will never happen again.
Thanks to all the fire fighters and police and good citizens that helped people on this day and every day.
I didn't know anyone directly that was killed this day but I did know a couple people that knew people.
It was a horrible tragedy and I pray that it will never happen again.
Thanks to all the fire fighters and police and good citizens that helped people on this day and every day.
"I didn't do it!"
Today Aaron received a note on his daily behavior sheet, written in red, from the cafeteria that he put his mouth on another childs ear. Aaron went on and on that he didn't do it and that it was another child who did it to him. I said "so Mrs. Peralez is lieing to us?" and he said "yes, she is lieing." He is learning to young. He had to go to bed early again tonight. You would think that he would realize he doesn't like these consequences yet he continues to act like this!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Faith Formation
CCD started today. Kaylee is in the 4th grade class (as if you couldn't figure that out) and Aaron started Kindergarten. Aaron being the Aaron that he always is, did not want to go. I tried to ease his mind a little telling him it would be fun and he would meet new friends and learn about Jesus but he wasn't having any of it. Told me that he was not going. I informed him that he didn't have a choice in this. This is the most important activity that he will do. More important then soccer and that if he wasn't going to go to this he was not going to go to soccer......he still didn't budge, he didn't want anything to do with it so I told him again that he didn't have a choice. I picked him up and carried him to the car. He helped me take Kaylee to her class and we found out her teacher is Andrew (I helped him teach last year) I thought that was great and then we went to Aarons class. He was very scared and wouldn't let go of my leg. I had to drag him into the classroom and put him on his chair. His teachers really tried to help him out by talking to him, trying to make him feel more comfortable but he wasn't having any of it. All the kids were coloring a picture of Jesus and he just sat there. I signed him in and left the room with him looking at me with his sad eyes. I went out to the car and read my book for a hour (very relaxing.....made me realize that I am very happy I didn't decide to teach again this year, I get some time to myself so catch up on some reading)
After the hour was up I went in to get the kids....Aaron first. Surprise surprise he had a great time! And he will return next week. His teachers told me that they are teaching him the sign of the cross with his left hand because he is left handed. I have never thought about it before. I just assumed that everyone did it right handed, I do, Matt does, Kaylee does, why wouldn't he? (I still have so much to learn!) I guess its true you learn something new every day. Kaylee also had a great time in her class. Amelia isn't in her class this year (she is taking the Wednesday class) so she doesn't have her to lean on so now she might meet some new people.
So it turned out to be great Faith Formation day! We celebrated with Icees from 7-11.
After the hour was up I went in to get the kids....Aaron first. Surprise surprise he had a great time! And he will return next week. His teachers told me that they are teaching him the sign of the cross with his left hand because he is left handed. I have never thought about it before. I just assumed that everyone did it right handed, I do, Matt does, Kaylee does, why wouldn't he? (I still have so much to learn!) I guess its true you learn something new every day. Kaylee also had a great time in her class. Amelia isn't in her class this year (she is taking the Wednesday class) so she doesn't have her to lean on so now she might meet some new people.
So it turned out to be great Faith Formation day! We celebrated with Icees from 7-11.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
First soccer game
Today was the first soccer game of the season and I have to admit I was a little nervous about it. Aaron has shown me in soccer practice that he really doesn't pay to much attention on the field. I must tell you that I was pleasantly surprised with his performance. His game was on today! Not only was he all over the field trying to get the ball (not like last year....he just seemed to run in a circle and every once in a while he would do a little dance) and he scored the first goal! I beamed with pride as I watched him jump up and down with excitement!
Good job Aaron!
Friday, September 08, 2006
teachers
Here are the pictures of the kids teachers. Kaylees teacher is Mrs. Smart and Aarons is Mrs. Peralez
Thursday, September 07, 2006
no brakes
I am having Kris take me to work tomorrow. My brakes are grinding horribly in my car and I am starting to get nervous that something will happen. What would I do if I were driving down 30 and my breaks went out? I would panic, that is exactly what I would do and I am sure I would end up going over the bridge and then there would be no more me! We can't have that now can we. What would this world do without me?
Matt is going to fix them this weekend. Not what he wants to but it is past being put off. Time to get it done.
Matt is going to fix them this weekend. Not what he wants to but it is past being put off. Time to get it done.
Girl Scouts
Tomorrow will be my first Junior meeting. It officially started 2 weeks ago but I didn't attend that meeting because I had my wisdom removed that day and I had an extreme headache so Matt took Kaylee.
I have to talk to the girls about the troop budget and I am very nervous. I came up with a pretty easy sheet to use but do I really know what I am doing? I know what you are saying...."Krystal you work in accounting" and I do and I am also saying that to myself but do I really know how to teach what I do? Not really sure about that one.
I have to talk to the girls about the troop budget and I am very nervous. I came up with a pretty easy sheet to use but do I really know what I am doing? I know what you are saying...."Krystal you work in accounting" and I do and I am also saying that to myself but do I really know how to teach what I do? Not really sure about that one.
Paris Hilton arrested?
I read today she was arrested for DUI, she was booked and then released. Her rep said she worked all day and had 1 drink on an empty stomach. Yeah right....get her off the street I am tired of her being all over everything and corrupting our children. Prison is a much better place for her.
did the saga continue?
I was pretty much in a bad mood all day but that could also be contributed to no sleep last night! I looked at the clock every hour until 3 and then I think I finally fell asleep....it is either that or delirium could go either way.....my cold is still getting the better of me and everything is extremely escalated right now. I did go to lunch with Donette, B of Team BK, and Eileen, they are a great group of people and we went to my favorite place, Olive Garden, I am always up for that, the trip seemed a little wasted because I am having a hard time tasting food right now but B told us all about his vacation so the conversation was great. Then I come home and I know that Matt and I need to discuss what went on the night before but I don't really feel up to it.....I did it any way. I think both of had a few misunderstandings and we are going to continue our talk this weekend but we seem to be headed back to the same page. I'll let you know more on that after the weekend.
We both told Kaylee that there will be no more "babysitting" on doing her homework. I will ask if it is done and help her when she needs help but I am not going to be looking over her shoulder any more to make sure it is done. I have no idea how this is going to turn out because I have a very hard time with "letting go" but I am going to try my hardest to stick to my guns and take a step back and let her deal with the consequences of her actions. Just writing this makes me nervous so wish me luck.
We did get Aarons All About Me book done and it looks pretty good. I love the way he writes right now even though it is incorrect. He is a lefty so he is having a little bit of a hard time getting the letters going the right way or he is going to be dyslexic like his sister not sure which one it is yet. I will have to ask his teacher when I go in for conference.
As you can see the saga did not continue. I certainly hope it stays this way.
We both told Kaylee that there will be no more "babysitting" on doing her homework. I will ask if it is done and help her when she needs help but I am not going to be looking over her shoulder any more to make sure it is done. I have no idea how this is going to turn out because I have a very hard time with "letting go" but I am going to try my hardest to stick to my guns and take a step back and let her deal with the consequences of her actions. Just writing this makes me nervous so wish me luck.
We did get Aarons All About Me book done and it looks pretty good. I love the way he writes right now even though it is incorrect. He is a lefty so he is having a little bit of a hard time getting the letters going the right way or he is going to be dyslexic like his sister not sure which one it is yet. I will have to ask his teacher when I go in for conference.
As you can see the saga did not continue. I certainly hope it stays this way.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
just so ya know........
Before you read the blog below please understand that I have a cold and I am not feeling that well so it might seem a little......mean spirited I guess would be the word....ask me next week if I feel the same way and my reply might change but then again it might not!
When do you take off your hat?
When do you take off your hat and assume the responsibility of others? When are you harming your child more then you are helping them? Today was the first day of piano lessons (and Kaylee loved them) So when I got home of course homework hadn't been started for either child. But I didn't know this yet.....I let Aaron go and play at Dylans for a little while and Matt was making supper (didn't eat it in retaliation) and Kaylee was watching TV. I went over to get Aaron because super was almost done and it was time for him to get home because Rockstar was about to start (and nope I didn't get to watch it but thats ok because it is recorded and I can watch it after I am done here) Before I went to get him I asked if Kaylee had all of her homework done "oops, I haven't started it yet" (didn't see that one coming did ya!) I told her to get busy and that I was going to get Aaron. I stayed for about 30 minutes talking to Christy and then Aaron and I came home (with him crying all the way....he loves playing with Dylan) I walk in the door to Kaylee watching TV and the supper on the table and Matt laying down....long story somewhat short he was mad at me because I wasn't home for supper.... I told Kaylee to get busy and Aaron and I started on his All About Me book. We picked out some pictures and started the story for the book and yes I have found out that he is going to be exactly like Kaylee in not doing her homework.....you do it....I can't do that....help me make that letter....and so on. We got about half of it done and I told him we would finish the rest tomorrow. He wanted to finish it all but I was helping Kaylee also and I was starting to get frustrated having to run from one child to the next. Kaylee had to do math, science, reading, and spelling and it is 8:30! I am starting to pull my hair out a little bit at a time but I am remaining somewhat cool. Matt got up and played the computer for a little while and then got ready for work not ONCE did he offer the kids his expertise with this it was all on me! Matt called a little bit ago and asked me to put the towels on the dryer (yeah he did some laundry....and in that laundry was a ballcap and a belt but hey he did the laundry) in the midst of our conversation mentioned to him that Kaylee and I were still doing homework and that I would have appreciated him helping and his reply was....so I am suppose to take Kaylee to piano, fix supper and get the homework done by the time you come home? I said no but at least have it all started. We hung up after that.
So my question is when is enough enough? When do I let Kaylee deal with the consequences of not having her homework done? Let her reap the affect of a failing grade. When do I just let Aaron starve because he doesn't like what we are having for supper again? And when do I deal with the fact that Matt is never going to help me the way that I think he should? Is it my fault for having my expectations so high? Or is this really a problem? When do I take my hat off in some "for instances" and put on another hat in other "for instances" Maybe I need some sort of self help book to figure this mess out because doing it on my own is getting me NO WHERE!!!! Help my favorite blogger friends! Help me with this please.
So my question is when is enough enough? When do I let Kaylee deal with the consequences of not having her homework done? Let her reap the affect of a failing grade. When do I just let Aaron starve because he doesn't like what we are having for supper again? And when do I deal with the fact that Matt is never going to help me the way that I think he should? Is it my fault for having my expectations so high? Or is this really a problem? When do I take my hat off in some "for instances" and put on another hat in other "for instances" Maybe I need some sort of self help book to figure this mess out because doing it on my own is getting me NO WHERE!!!! Help my favorite blogger friends! Help me with this please.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Croc Hunter
I read on the internet today that Steve Irwin died. Stingray poked a hole into his heart. How horrible. I feel so bad for his wife and 2 small children. I hope they can eventually understand that he is in a better place.
continue of Labor Day weekend
I forgot to throw in there that we went and visited the museum, it was very nice (although smelled a little stale)
I think you can see from the pictures and from reading the blog we had a very fun and eventful weekend. I wish we could do this more often and maybe eventually we will be able to.
I still have to post the pictures of Aarons new bike and his broken one and I finally down loaded the pictures from the 1 st day of school.....they will be coming soon.
I think you can see from the pictures and from reading the blog we had a very fun and eventful weekend. I wish we could do this more often and maybe eventually we will be able to.
I still have to post the pictures of Aarons new bike and his broken one and I finally down loaded the pictures from the 1 st day of school.....they will be coming soon.
Happy birthday dad
Tomorrow is your day dad. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I wish we were there to help you celebrate it. We will be seeing you in a couple of months.....Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Talk to you soon.
Little cousin Sarah
Happy birthday Sarah. Wish we could have been there to help you celebrate your special day. See you at Thanksgiving time.
more to come
I do have a few more sets of pictures for you but it's starting to get late and need to get ready for school tomorrow.
Kaylee's best friend McKenzie
Kaylee informed me that McKenzie told her something the other day. I asked her what and this is what she said "she said we are going to go through.......pu......um pu........you know mom!" I said "no I don't what did she tell you?" so we went through the stuttering again and she finally spit it out "puberty" I was a little shocked but she is right. I guess its time for Kaylee and I to sit down and have a little conversation before she learns it all from her best friend McKenzie.
Labor Day weekend
Matt and I have been contemplating about going camping for this holiday weekend for a couple of weeks now and we ended up deciding to not go and stay at home and go to Tyler state park for the day.....the very last minute (5:00 AM) Matt woke me up and said "there are still spots open lets go camping" so we hurried up and got everything ready and we were on the road by 7:45 to head up to Oklahoma.
We got there and found 1 of very few camping sites left so we made camp. Feeling pretty lucky with ourselves that we came upon this site.
As matt, Kaylee and I were getting the site ready Aaron was riding his bike. Kaylee and I heard a pop sound and we looked around not knowing what the sound was then I looked down and Aarons tire was flat as can be......he has rode his bike so much it wore thin and something went through and popped the inner tube. We still had to get some groceries so Matt took the tire off and we headed to the local Wal-mart. Kaylee and I loaded up on snacks while Matt and Aaron went back to the bike section to get a tire. Kaylee and I were debating on what breakfast food we should get when they came into the isle with a very shining red bike that said "Rock It" on the side (very Aaron) they didn't have any tires for Aarons bike and we could either go without and get a new one when we got home and not be able to go on any bike rides the entire we were camping or we could go ahead and get him the bike that he was going to get for Christmas (now I have to come up with a new gift for him) He was extremely excited to be getting this and couldn't wait to get back to the campsite to take it for a ride.
We get back and unload everything and then went for a bike ride. We rode up to the Ranger center to see what was going on for the weekend....lots of fun stuff, a nature hike at 9 AM a nature craft at 11 AM, snake feeding at 1 PM, bird feeding at 4 PM we had our day planned out for the next day. We stopped by the park on our way back and let the kids play for a while. They were swinging on the tire when swing when a boy Kaylees age came up and asked if he could swing them but my kids didn't say anything so the boy said "do you want me?" and Kaylee said "no" and he said "do you want me to push you?" then Aaron said yes. Eventually the boy got on the tire with them and they were pushing it with their feet. The boy seemed to be liking Kaylee because he kept looking at her. I'm not quite sure how I felt about it but in a way it was cute. Then we continued on our bike ride down by the water. We found a fantastic trail but we walked it because there was no way I was going to chance it turning horrible like the bike trail we went on last time that almost killed me! We walked for a good mile and then turned back because it was starting to get dark and we had no flashlite with us, made it back to the campsite just in time (not sure if we would have been able to find our back with as dark as it gets in the woods) We made supper and headed up for our showers and then time for bed.
Saturday was a blast! We made it in time for the nature hike and we learned a lot of the Natuarlist the was putting it on, Matt asked him if he had any junior ranger books that we could work on for the weekend and he didn't but he did have junior naturalist books so we took them. Then came the nature craft, they made little alligators out of foam and closepins. Then we went to the camper and ate lunch. We could have easily taken naps but we had to get back in time to see the snake feeding (against Matt and Kaylees better judgment but Aaron and I wanted to see it) Aaron was so content the entire time we were there just watching that snake torture that poor little mouse. It was horrible! I knew how snakes killed their prey but to actually see it is something I will never forget! Next time we go up there I doubt if I will watch this activity! After this was all done we went back to the camper so we could go on a bike ride and we took the trail we had gone on the day before. Matt and Kaylee complained that they had to wait for Aaron and I but we weren't in a hurry and we were enjoying our scenery so we kept doing it. And besides Aaron has little legs and my bottom was hurting from the bike ride the day before so we had to go somewhat slow! Before dinner Kaylee and Aaron went up to the bathroom, when they got back Aaron told me that some boys were up there and they told his sister that she was pretty (Aaron said it in a very snotty voice) and then Aaron said back to them "you're pretty" and he also said it in a very snotty voice. Then he proceeded to tell me that his sister isn't pretty and that she is ugly but that I am pretty. I told him his sister is beautiful and that he should not say such mean things to her so then he changed his tune and told me that she is just a little bit ugly and I again said no she isn't she is beautiful and that he needed to be nice so he changed it again and told when her hair is all crazy (can you imagine that hand gesture) she is ugly. He also said those boys were mean and ugly and he wanted to kick their bottoms. I asked how old the boy was and Kaylee told me she thought he was her age and I asked how he said it and he said it in a very nice tone but then Aaron got all snotty and told then "you're pretty" said they can't talk to his sister like that and he does not like them. I asked if he was his sisters protector and he said "yes!" Common knowledge that I should have known apparently. This of course turned into a discussion about dating and boys and all that jazz....stuff I am not wanting to go through but that I know will be coming up. Matt and I told Kaylee again that she is not allowed to date until she is 18 so lets hope this sticks with her! I really don't know how I feel about these boys talking to my daughter but she seems to be handling herself quite well with them. And if she wasn't Aaron would beat them up so what do I have to worry about!?!?!?!?
Sunday we got up. This is the day we have been waiting for! We are going canoeing today. We first had to go on the train ride for Aaron because it is his favorite thing to do! Then canoeing. We had such a great time! Going down the river nice and slow. We stopped on some rocks and played for a little while and the kids got to see a couple crayfish, not sure if any of us really cared about them but it was nice to point them out to them so they knew what they were. After we finished with our relaxing canoe trip we went to the beach. The kids had a blast (you will be able to see how much fun they had in the pictures I will be posting) and after that we went on the paddle boats. Matt and I got quite a workout on these things but we all had fun on them. Then it was time to head back and make supper and get ready for bed. We were going to go on a night hike but Aaron said he was to tired and he wanted to go to bed so just Matt and Kaylee went on it. After they got back (yes Aaron fell asleep) we made some popcorn and talked outside. It was nice. Kaylee told us how her and her best friend McKenzie are twins through Gods eyes and how much she likes school. (which makes me so happy.....please let it stay that way) It was very nice.
Today when we got up it was sprinkling out. We got everything put away and headed out. Home by 2 PM and now I am doing the wonderful laundry that I didn't get to do over the weekend.........fun!
We got there and found 1 of very few camping sites left so we made camp. Feeling pretty lucky with ourselves that we came upon this site.
As matt, Kaylee and I were getting the site ready Aaron was riding his bike. Kaylee and I heard a pop sound and we looked around not knowing what the sound was then I looked down and Aarons tire was flat as can be......he has rode his bike so much it wore thin and something went through and popped the inner tube. We still had to get some groceries so Matt took the tire off and we headed to the local Wal-mart. Kaylee and I loaded up on snacks while Matt and Aaron went back to the bike section to get a tire. Kaylee and I were debating on what breakfast food we should get when they came into the isle with a very shining red bike that said "Rock It" on the side (very Aaron) they didn't have any tires for Aarons bike and we could either go without and get a new one when we got home and not be able to go on any bike rides the entire we were camping or we could go ahead and get him the bike that he was going to get for Christmas (now I have to come up with a new gift for him) He was extremely excited to be getting this and couldn't wait to get back to the campsite to take it for a ride.
We get back and unload everything and then went for a bike ride. We rode up to the Ranger center to see what was going on for the weekend....lots of fun stuff, a nature hike at 9 AM a nature craft at 11 AM, snake feeding at 1 PM, bird feeding at 4 PM we had our day planned out for the next day. We stopped by the park on our way back and let the kids play for a while. They were swinging on the tire when swing when a boy Kaylees age came up and asked if he could swing them but my kids didn't say anything so the boy said "do you want me?" and Kaylee said "no" and he said "do you want me to push you?" then Aaron said yes. Eventually the boy got on the tire with them and they were pushing it with their feet. The boy seemed to be liking Kaylee because he kept looking at her. I'm not quite sure how I felt about it but in a way it was cute. Then we continued on our bike ride down by the water. We found a fantastic trail but we walked it because there was no way I was going to chance it turning horrible like the bike trail we went on last time that almost killed me! We walked for a good mile and then turned back because it was starting to get dark and we had no flashlite with us, made it back to the campsite just in time (not sure if we would have been able to find our back with as dark as it gets in the woods) We made supper and headed up for our showers and then time for bed.
Saturday was a blast! We made it in time for the nature hike and we learned a lot of the Natuarlist the was putting it on, Matt asked him if he had any junior ranger books that we could work on for the weekend and he didn't but he did have junior naturalist books so we took them. Then came the nature craft, they made little alligators out of foam and closepins. Then we went to the camper and ate lunch. We could have easily taken naps but we had to get back in time to see the snake feeding (against Matt and Kaylees better judgment but Aaron and I wanted to see it) Aaron was so content the entire time we were there just watching that snake torture that poor little mouse. It was horrible! I knew how snakes killed their prey but to actually see it is something I will never forget! Next time we go up there I doubt if I will watch this activity! After this was all done we went back to the camper so we could go on a bike ride and we took the trail we had gone on the day before. Matt and Kaylee complained that they had to wait for Aaron and I but we weren't in a hurry and we were enjoying our scenery so we kept doing it. And besides Aaron has little legs and my bottom was hurting from the bike ride the day before so we had to go somewhat slow! Before dinner Kaylee and Aaron went up to the bathroom, when they got back Aaron told me that some boys were up there and they told his sister that she was pretty (Aaron said it in a very snotty voice) and then Aaron said back to them "you're pretty" and he also said it in a very snotty voice. Then he proceeded to tell me that his sister isn't pretty and that she is ugly but that I am pretty. I told him his sister is beautiful and that he should not say such mean things to her so then he changed his tune and told me that she is just a little bit ugly and I again said no she isn't she is beautiful and that he needed to be nice so he changed it again and told when her hair is all crazy (can you imagine that hand gesture) she is ugly. He also said those boys were mean and ugly and he wanted to kick their bottoms. I asked how old the boy was and Kaylee told me she thought he was her age and I asked how he said it and he said it in a very nice tone but then Aaron got all snotty and told then "you're pretty" said they can't talk to his sister like that and he does not like them. I asked if he was his sisters protector and he said "yes!" Common knowledge that I should have known apparently. This of course turned into a discussion about dating and boys and all that jazz....stuff I am not wanting to go through but that I know will be coming up. Matt and I told Kaylee again that she is not allowed to date until she is 18 so lets hope this sticks with her! I really don't know how I feel about these boys talking to my daughter but she seems to be handling herself quite well with them. And if she wasn't Aaron would beat them up so what do I have to worry about!?!?!?!?
Sunday we got up. This is the day we have been waiting for! We are going canoeing today. We first had to go on the train ride for Aaron because it is his favorite thing to do! Then canoeing. We had such a great time! Going down the river nice and slow. We stopped on some rocks and played for a little while and the kids got to see a couple crayfish, not sure if any of us really cared about them but it was nice to point them out to them so they knew what they were. After we finished with our relaxing canoe trip we went to the beach. The kids had a blast (you will be able to see how much fun they had in the pictures I will be posting) and after that we went on the paddle boats. Matt and I got quite a workout on these things but we all had fun on them. Then it was time to head back and make supper and get ready for bed. We were going to go on a night hike but Aaron said he was to tired and he wanted to go to bed so just Matt and Kaylee went on it. After they got back (yes Aaron fell asleep) we made some popcorn and talked outside. It was nice. Kaylee told us how her and her best friend McKenzie are twins through Gods eyes and how much she likes school. (which makes me so happy.....please let it stay that way) It was very nice.
Today when we got up it was sprinkling out. We got everything put away and headed out. Home by 2 PM and now I am doing the wonderful laundry that I didn't get to do over the weekend.........fun!
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