This picture is from our train outing. It has been a LONG time since Lucas and I have had a good, intentional photo taken together. I thought that was worthy of having its own layout.
Credits: Platinum Dreams by Krystal Hartley
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Just the Two of Us
This picture is from our train outing. It has been a LONG time since Lucas and I have had a good, intentional photo taken together. I thought that was worthy of having its own layout.
Credits: Platinum Dreams by Krystal Hartley
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Isaac's Reward
Two weekends ago, we had quite the experience here in our house. For a few months now, we've been stressing to the kids the idea of cleaning up when you're done with something, putting your things away before you get anything else out, and so on. Well, needless to say, it's not a popular concept with the youngling's, and their room was A MESS! So, Saturday morning, I asked them to go up and clean their rooms. I had some chores to do, so I did my stuff while they did theirs. Occasionally, someone would come downstairs with a few toys and take them down to the basement, so it seemed they were making some progress. I asked them a few times, and was greeted with "we're doing good" style answers.
Well, nearly three hours had passed by the time I was finally done with all the stuff I had to do. So, I figured they must be almost finished, and I would go up to encourage them on the last few things. HOWEVER, when I got to the boys' room, it looked virtually the same as it had before they started. I was MAD! I had already told them several times before, "If I have to clean up your toys, they're going into a trash bag." So, I stayed true to my promise, and went straight back downstairs to get the Hefty's. I started cramming toys, books, cards, and whatever else that was not where it belonged into the trash bags. I had filled two kitchen size bags before the boys' floor was clear. Nice.
In the meantime, Isaac had realized that there was no saving his own toys, but that Meagan was also going to lose her toys if they were all over by the time I got into her room. So he took it upon himself to go into his sister's room and start cleaning it. He put away as much as he was able to before I got in there. He had even tried to focus on her favorite things first, so that she wouldn't lose those. What a sweetheart. Even so, I filled one and a half bags of toys (mostly big stuffed animals) out of Meg's room as well.
When I had hauled them all downstairs, I asked Isaac to come down. I thought, since he had gone out of his way to help his sister, then before I took the toys away, I would let him choose three of his own out of the bags to put back where they belonged. When I told him, he got a big smile of relief on his face, and he started looking through the bags. "There's my Star Wars computer." And "I really like my Pokemon cards." And "I don't want to lose my books." He looked and he looked. Then he got quiet and stopped. When I asked what was the matter, he looked at me and said, "Mommy, can I give three things to Sebastian and Meagan instead? I know Sebastian won't want to lose his stuff, and Meagan will be sad to lose all this." I thought for a moment, and then told him that if he wanted, he could choose 3 of Sebastian's things and 3 of Meagan's, but that would mean he was choosing not to take any of his own things back. He didn't even flinch. He immediately chose three things of his brother's and three of Meg's and ran up the stairs, excited to give them their toys back. I was so touched, and at the same time, it broke my heart.
Later, after we had had several talks about respect and obedience, I decided to try once more to reward Isaac for his thoughtful and unselfish behavior. I once more called him into the living room, and told him how proud I was of him for being so nice to his brother and sister. I told him that I wanted him to be able to choose 3 of his own things as well. Any 3 things he wanted out of the bag. He started digging and searching through the bags once more. Then he looked up and asked, "Any 3 things? It doesn't matter whose they are?"
I was almost in disbelief. Really? But I said, "You can choose only 3 things out. So they can be 3 of your own, 3 of your brother's, 3 of your sister's, whatever. But only 3 this time." I even tried to encourage him to choose 3 of his own, but in the end, he chose one of Sebastian's toys, one of Meagan's and only one of his own. So they had each gotten 4 things back, and he had gotten only one as a reward for his selfless acts. But that was the end of it. There was no more choosing toys out of the bags. He had made his decision, and that was that.
We stored the toys for about 4 or 5 days, and each day, we talked to them about respect - respect for Mommy by obeying the first time they are asked to do something, respect for each other by using kind words and actions, respect for their things by taking care of them and putting them away, and on and on. By the fifth day, they had definitely got the point. So, we then had a discussion about forgiveness and mercy - how they had done nothing to earn their toys back; how they had broken the rules, and the consequence should have been to loose all their toys; but that Mommy & Daddy had talked, and we had chosen to forgive them and be merciful on them by letting them have a chance to put all of their lost toys back where they belonged. So that night after dinner, they put all their toys away - and it only took them about 20 minutes instead of 3 hours. Hmmm....
Anyway, we still wanted to really honor Isaac for what he had done, so we decided to let him choose a special dinner date. He got to pick any restaurant for us to go enjoy dinner as a family. His choice.... CHUCK E. CHEESE. So tonight, we headed to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner. And they had a blast! And he understands how proud we are of him for his actions, for loving his brother and sister so much that he chose their happiness over even his most favorite toys. For a six-year-old that is a pretty big deal!
Well, nearly three hours had passed by the time I was finally done with all the stuff I had to do. So, I figured they must be almost finished, and I would go up to encourage them on the last few things. HOWEVER, when I got to the boys' room, it looked virtually the same as it had before they started. I was MAD! I had already told them several times before, "If I have to clean up your toys, they're going into a trash bag." So, I stayed true to my promise, and went straight back downstairs to get the Hefty's. I started cramming toys, books, cards, and whatever else that was not where it belonged into the trash bags. I had filled two kitchen size bags before the boys' floor was clear. Nice.
In the meantime, Isaac had realized that there was no saving his own toys, but that Meagan was also going to lose her toys if they were all over by the time I got into her room. So he took it upon himself to go into his sister's room and start cleaning it. He put away as much as he was able to before I got in there. He had even tried to focus on her favorite things first, so that she wouldn't lose those. What a sweetheart. Even so, I filled one and a half bags of toys (mostly big stuffed animals) out of Meg's room as well.
When I had hauled them all downstairs, I asked Isaac to come down. I thought, since he had gone out of his way to help his sister, then before I took the toys away, I would let him choose three of his own out of the bags to put back where they belonged. When I told him, he got a big smile of relief on his face, and he started looking through the bags. "There's my Star Wars computer." And "I really like my Pokemon cards." And "I don't want to lose my books." He looked and he looked. Then he got quiet and stopped. When I asked what was the matter, he looked at me and said, "Mommy, can I give three things to Sebastian and Meagan instead? I know Sebastian won't want to lose his stuff, and Meagan will be sad to lose all this." I thought for a moment, and then told him that if he wanted, he could choose 3 of Sebastian's things and 3 of Meagan's, but that would mean he was choosing not to take any of his own things back. He didn't even flinch. He immediately chose three things of his brother's and three of Meg's and ran up the stairs, excited to give them their toys back. I was so touched, and at the same time, it broke my heart.
Later, after we had had several talks about respect and obedience, I decided to try once more to reward Isaac for his thoughtful and unselfish behavior. I once more called him into the living room, and told him how proud I was of him for being so nice to his brother and sister. I told him that I wanted him to be able to choose 3 of his own things as well. Any 3 things he wanted out of the bag. He started digging and searching through the bags once more. Then he looked up and asked, "Any 3 things? It doesn't matter whose they are?"
I was almost in disbelief. Really? But I said, "You can choose only 3 things out. So they can be 3 of your own, 3 of your brother's, 3 of your sister's, whatever. But only 3 this time." I even tried to encourage him to choose 3 of his own, but in the end, he chose one of Sebastian's toys, one of Meagan's and only one of his own. So they had each gotten 4 things back, and he had gotten only one as a reward for his selfless acts. But that was the end of it. There was no more choosing toys out of the bags. He had made his decision, and that was that.
We stored the toys for about 4 or 5 days, and each day, we talked to them about respect - respect for Mommy by obeying the first time they are asked to do something, respect for each other by using kind words and actions, respect for their things by taking care of them and putting them away, and on and on. By the fifth day, they had definitely got the point. So, we then had a discussion about forgiveness and mercy - how they had done nothing to earn their toys back; how they had broken the rules, and the consequence should have been to loose all their toys; but that Mommy & Daddy had talked, and we had chosen to forgive them and be merciful on them by letting them have a chance to put all of their lost toys back where they belonged. So that night after dinner, they put all their toys away - and it only took them about 20 minutes instead of 3 hours. Hmmm....
Anyway, we still wanted to really honor Isaac for what he had done, so we decided to let him choose a special dinner date. He got to pick any restaurant for us to go enjoy dinner as a family. His choice.... CHUCK E. CHEESE. So tonight, we headed to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner. And they had a blast! And he understands how proud we are of him for his actions, for loving his brother and sister so much that he chose their happiness over even his most favorite toys. For a six-year-old that is a pretty big deal!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Train Ride
Saturday morning we did something we've never done before... we headed out of town on an all-day train ride fall color tour. Our morning started at about 3:30 (at least mine did...others were up before I was, but 3:30 was pushing it for me, LOL). We got up and headed out by 5:00, to make sure we were at the boarding location in plenty of time to see the train come in. We got there by about 6:30. At about 6:50 we could hear the whistle in the distance, and the train came into view just before 7:00 am.
It was dark - pitch dark - and it was raining a very steady, cold rain. The train was obscured by a bend in the track and surrounding trees and buildings, so all we could see was the steam in the rain and moonlight. Then, the big bright headlight started to come into view, first reflecting off of the trees and buildings, then in full view. Even still, the train was hard to see, with only the silhouette really visible in the darkness. When the train let off its loud low whistle, I got chills. It was so eerie, especially in the darkness and the rain. It felt like we had been picked up and dropped back in time. Awesome is really the only word I can think of. Really. Awe inspiring. Awesome.
Anyway, we didn't actually board the train until about 8:30, and we departed at 9:00. We had a 4 hour ride to our destination, where we had a bit of a break, then a 4 hour trip back. Lucas' dad and grandpa went with us, and it was just nice to be able to sit together, with no distractions, and talk and enjoy each other. It was fun to get to have that experience with people who were genuinely enjoying themselves. It was a great day - even if there were a few hiccups in the timing and the schedule (and the rainy cold weather)!
I, OF COURSE, took a TON of pictures, and a few videos. Here are a few of them... it may take a while to preview them - I put about 25 pics up.
It was dark - pitch dark - and it was raining a very steady, cold rain. The train was obscured by a bend in the track and surrounding trees and buildings, so all we could see was the steam in the rain and moonlight. Then, the big bright headlight started to come into view, first reflecting off of the trees and buildings, then in full view. Even still, the train was hard to see, with only the silhouette really visible in the darkness. When the train let off its loud low whistle, I got chills. It was so eerie, especially in the darkness and the rain. It felt like we had been picked up and dropped back in time. Awesome is really the only word I can think of. Really. Awe inspiring. Awesome.
Anyway, we didn't actually board the train until about 8:30, and we departed at 9:00. We had a 4 hour ride to our destination, where we had a bit of a break, then a 4 hour trip back. Lucas' dad and grandpa went with us, and it was just nice to be able to sit together, with no distractions, and talk and enjoy each other. It was fun to get to have that experience with people who were genuinely enjoying themselves. It was a great day - even if there were a few hiccups in the timing and the schedule (and the rainy cold weather)!
I, OF COURSE, took a TON of pictures, and a few videos. Here are a few of them... it may take a while to preview them - I put about 25 pics up.
Just as a cool little side note, I found out after our train ride was over, that when my dad worked on the railroad, he actually used to be a part of the 765 crew for special excursions. That, for me, just made it that much more of an amazing experience. Definitely glad we did this!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Dead Cat Story
Three nights ago....
At about 1:30 in the morning, I woke up as I tried to roll over in my sleep. I woke up because the blankets were tight around my legs, and I couldn't move them very well. I glanced down and saw a dark, round blob laying at my knees. Well, this is where Lilly usually sleeps when she chooses to hop in bed with us, so I assumed it was her. I pushed against her, which is typically sufficient to send her the message to move. She did not move. I pushed a little harder, bending my knees slightly and shoving her toward the size of the bed. No response. I reached my hand down and patted her to get her to move. Something was wrong. She not only did not move, but she was hard and stiff and not breathing. Crap. The cat was dead.
So, I poked at Lucas, who was sound asleep, because I was tangled up in the blankets with a dead cat. He grumbled and rolled over, but showed no signs of really responding, soI persisted. "Lucas, you have to wake up. There's a dead cat in the bed beside me."
"Hmm."
Again, "Lucas, there's a dead cat in the bed beside me."
Pause.... buffering.... buffering.... "What bed beside you? We have a bed beside you?"
"NO!! THE CAT IS DEAD BESIDE ME IN THE BED!" Surely this would prompt a coherent response. Right? This is what I got....
"Then go get a bag and throw it away."
"WHAT! No, get up. You have to get up."
So, he reluctantly and slowly got up out of bed, making a pit stop in the bathroom before taking further action. While he was in the bathroom, however, something interesting happened. The 'dead cat' MOVED! It popped straight up in the air, and went flying across my legs and moved up toward the pillows. It was MEAGAN! The 'dead cat' was her head. Oops.... I had been kneeing her in the head, and smacking at her trying to get her to move.
"Never mind, Luc. It moved."
Now, keep in mind that, by this time, Meagan was now laying on the pillows in the middle. So when Lucas came back to bed, there was a new lump on his side of the bed that had not been there before. So, not knowing it was his daughter, he starts shoving the lump, and smacking at it and poking at it trying to get it to move.
"Why is my blanket lumpy?"
"It's Meagan. She was the cat." We cracked up laughing for a few minutes, then went back to bed. Poor Meagan slept through the whole thing and never knew she had been so poked and prodded. As for the cat, she is doing just fine.
At about 1:30 in the morning, I woke up as I tried to roll over in my sleep. I woke up because the blankets were tight around my legs, and I couldn't move them very well. I glanced down and saw a dark, round blob laying at my knees. Well, this is where Lilly usually sleeps when she chooses to hop in bed with us, so I assumed it was her. I pushed against her, which is typically sufficient to send her the message to move. She did not move. I pushed a little harder, bending my knees slightly and shoving her toward the size of the bed. No response. I reached my hand down and patted her to get her to move. Something was wrong. She not only did not move, but she was hard and stiff and not breathing. Crap. The cat was dead.
So, I poked at Lucas, who was sound asleep, because I was tangled up in the blankets with a dead cat. He grumbled and rolled over, but showed no signs of really responding, soI persisted. "Lucas, you have to wake up. There's a dead cat in the bed beside me."
"Hmm."
Again, "Lucas, there's a dead cat in the bed beside me."
Pause.... buffering.... buffering.... "What bed beside you? We have a bed beside you?"
"NO!! THE CAT IS DEAD BESIDE ME IN THE BED!" Surely this would prompt a coherent response. Right? This is what I got....
"Then go get a bag and throw it away."
"WHAT! No, get up. You have to get up."
So, he reluctantly and slowly got up out of bed, making a pit stop in the bathroom before taking further action. While he was in the bathroom, however, something interesting happened. The 'dead cat' MOVED! It popped straight up in the air, and went flying across my legs and moved up toward the pillows. It was MEAGAN! The 'dead cat' was her head. Oops.... I had been kneeing her in the head, and smacking at her trying to get her to move.
"Never mind, Luc. It moved."
Now, keep in mind that, by this time, Meagan was now laying on the pillows in the middle. So when Lucas came back to bed, there was a new lump on his side of the bed that had not been there before. So, not knowing it was his daughter, he starts shoving the lump, and smacking at it and poking at it trying to get it to move.
"Why is my blanket lumpy?"
"It's Meagan. She was the cat." We cracked up laughing for a few minutes, then went back to bed. Poor Meagan slept through the whole thing and never knew she had been so poked and prodded. As for the cat, she is doing just fine.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Digital Artist Magazine
I was notified today that a layout of mine has been published in the September '09 issue of Digital Artist Magazine! I am in disbelief actually! This magazine is always crammed full of GORGEOUS layouts, and it seems surreal to have my layout be in the mix this month. If you're interested, it might be worth the purchase... the $6 includes not only the magazine with lots of amazing inspiration, but also 2 kits, a template and a brag book that you can download as part of your purchase.
Here's the layout I did that has been included in this month's issue... it's a few pictures from our trip to Meijer Garden. In the Story Telling Garden, they had this BEAUTIFUL display of a scene from Alice in Wonderland.
Journaling: 'Down the path in the story-telling garden, we came upon a beautiful table, set with ornate detail, beautiful dishes, and fantastic attendants straight out of Wonderland. It was magical, and I was captivated.'
Sunday, September 20, 2009
After School Checklist
Yup. I'm tired of finding 2-day-old leftovers in the book bags when I got to get their bags ready on Sunday night. I'm tired of hounding them about homework. I'm tired of telling them to put their stuff away. This is my reminder to them, so maybe I can help them develop good habits.
First
Today was Sebastian's first hunting trip with Daddy. He got all decked out in his camo shirt and orange everything we could find to put on him! LOL! They went out to sit in the tree stand and see what they could see. When they got back, I asked him if he had fun. "About 50%," he said. He was being bugged by bees, it was hot, and he couldn't see any animals. But I think he liked being with his Daddy.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Making Bugs
Lucas asked me if I ever do layouts of the boys any more. Yes!!! I do! I love my boys! It's just that lately the kits that have been coming out have tended to be a bit more on the girly side. Here's a layout I just finished yesterday that has all 3 of the kids in it. That's better than nothing, right? It's just a bunch of pics from this past March (ooops... will have to update the date to '09 before printing...LOL) of the kids playing with their bug maker. The kit is a brand new one called Play by Sahlin Studio.
I got my hair cut...
Monday I got my hair cut. I told Cassie she could basically do whatever she felt like doing... this was the result. It was shockingly short, but it's one of those hair cuts I have always admired on others but have never been brave enough to try. She just helped me get past being a scaredy cat I guess!
I tried to get a picture of the back, but it is incredibly difficult to photograph the back of your head, apparently. LOL!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Album Additions
It's been a while since I've posted any layouts... I sort of took a break from scrapping for a bit so I could try to keep up with life in general! But I have been accumulating layouts here and there, and have six new ones to share!
Apple Orchard - From our October 2008 trip to the orchard for Meagan's preschool field trip. Still today, these are some of my favorite pictures. Maybe because it was such a fun memory! Maybe because I got 2 good shots her she and I together. Maybe it's just her cute black & white coat against the crisp fall colors. Who knows... I was just happy to finally get them scrapped to my satisfaction. I used a new kit by Sahlin Studios called Explore.Learn.Grow.
Today is Friday - I posted the guts of this layout last week. I took my Friday experiment and stuck it on a layout to document it visually. I used a cute kit by Roben-Marie at The DigiChick and some Sahlin Studio templates that she did based on a few of my own layouts... that was definitely something new for me! I swear the templates look better than my layouts did! LOL!
You - I LOVE these photos of Meagan. I snapped them the first day I had my new camera at one of Sebastian's baseball games. I swear I did NOT touch up her eyes to make them look like that. They really, truly photographed that blue! I did this layout, oddly enough, using a kit called BROWN-Eyed Girl, LOL! I have been holding these for a while to find something that I really liked to show them off.
All Dressed Up - A few pics of Meagan all dolled up for her very fancy tea party she had at Grandma H.'s house during the 2008 summer vacation. She might not always ACT very girly, but that girl sure does love herself some fancy dresses! She is such a contradiction sometimes! Again, oddly enough, the name of the kit I used was 'Contradiction'.... which is how I ended up with these pictures, because the name of the kit immediately made me think of my daughter!
Sunshine - This picture is of Isaac when he was only about 3 days old. He had jaundice after he was born, and the CRAZY doctor at the hospital went nutso on me and was NOT going to let me bring Isaac home because she said I would just sit him in a corner and let him get brain damage... someone should have jerked her license right out from under her... anyhow, she finally agreed to let me take my child home with me if I PROMISED to keep him in direct sunlight as much as possible - a tricky thing to do in the middle of December/January, some of the gloomiest months of the year. So this is our little corncob baby basking in what little sunlight we could find.
Apple Orchard - From our October 2008 trip to the orchard for Meagan's preschool field trip. Still today, these are some of my favorite pictures. Maybe because it was such a fun memory! Maybe because I got 2 good shots her she and I together. Maybe it's just her cute black & white coat against the crisp fall colors. Who knows... I was just happy to finally get them scrapped to my satisfaction. I used a new kit by Sahlin Studios called Explore.Learn.Grow.
Today is Friday - I posted the guts of this layout last week. I took my Friday experiment and stuck it on a layout to document it visually. I used a cute kit by Roben-Marie at The DigiChick and some Sahlin Studio templates that she did based on a few of my own layouts... that was definitely something new for me! I swear the templates look better than my layouts did! LOL!
You - I LOVE these photos of Meagan. I snapped them the first day I had my new camera at one of Sebastian's baseball games. I swear I did NOT touch up her eyes to make them look like that. They really, truly photographed that blue! I did this layout, oddly enough, using a kit called BROWN-Eyed Girl, LOL! I have been holding these for a while to find something that I really liked to show them off.
All Dressed Up - A few pics of Meagan all dolled up for her very fancy tea party she had at Grandma H.'s house during the 2008 summer vacation. She might not always ACT very girly, but that girl sure does love herself some fancy dresses! She is such a contradiction sometimes! Again, oddly enough, the name of the kit I used was 'Contradiction'.... which is how I ended up with these pictures, because the name of the kit immediately made me think of my daughter!
Sunshine - This picture is of Isaac when he was only about 3 days old. He had jaundice after he was born, and the CRAZY doctor at the hospital went nutso on me and was NOT going to let me bring Isaac home because she said I would just sit him in a corner and let him get brain damage... someone should have jerked her license right out from under her... anyhow, she finally agreed to let me take my child home with me if I PROMISED to keep him in direct sunlight as much as possible - a tricky thing to do in the middle of December/January, some of the gloomiest months of the year. So this is our little corncob baby basking in what little sunlight we could find.
I used Dreaming of You by Shanmomto4 Designs
New Crayons - I swear one of the best 'little things' about childhood was a fresh box of crayons and a new coloring book! That was always such a treat! I remember opening the box and just admiring all of the fresh, sharp, colorful points, imagining all of the beautiful things I could create with them. Something about fresh art supplies.... anyway, Meagan apparently has the same fascination. We went to Wal-Mart one day for a few things & came home with a new box of crayons & coloring book. She was in 7th heaven all afternoon! Eventually every crayon was dumped out on the floor so she could see the colors better. LOL
New Crayons - I swear one of the best 'little things' about childhood was a fresh box of crayons and a new coloring book! That was always such a treat! I remember opening the box and just admiring all of the fresh, sharp, colorful points, imagining all of the beautiful things I could create with them. Something about fresh art supplies.... anyway, Meagan apparently has the same fascination. We went to Wal-Mart one day for a few things & came home with a new box of crayons & coloring book. She was in 7th heaven all afternoon! Eventually every crayon was dumped out on the floor so she could see the colors better. LOL
Inspiration Lane
One of the things I LOVE to do **WHEN*** I have some free time is to sit and browse through online galleries to see what others are doing. There are some amazingly talented ladies out there, and so many of them inspire me! But sometimes there is just something specific - or maybe something I can't quite quantify - about a layout that really triggers my creativity. Those layouts I like to tuck away for safe keeping, to draw from when I need a creative boost. I thought it would be fun to post a few such layouts from time to time so that I can look back later to see what has inspired me over time. And too, you can get a peek into some of the things I weigh into the whole process of making a layout.
So, here are a few layouts I found tonight that I really really like for one reason or another.
Handle with Care by SeattleSheri:
Holy buckets! This is just beautiful! I am so completely drawn to neutral backgrounds with vivid colors layered on top! This layout is full of stuff I love - gorgeous shadows, lots of brush work, and fantastic color combination!
So, here are a few layouts I found tonight that I really really like for one reason or another.
Handle with Care by SeattleSheri:
Holy buckets! This is just beautiful! I am so completely drawn to neutral backgrounds with vivid colors layered on top! This layout is full of stuff I love - gorgeous shadows, lots of brush work, and fantastic color combination!
All I need is Love by prisalles:
I love the way she used the same photo and cropped it 3 different ways. Love the black & white photos with the fun, bright colors. And I love the arrangement within the heart shape.
Sweet Candy Shoppe by JenJ:
I really like the paper & color she chose for the background. I think I am so drawn to it because it is something way outside of my comfort zone. I struggle to put patterns as the base of a layout, but she has done it so seamlessly. And the whole layout just oozes with the feel of her candy shoppe experience. I love that when the whole layout comes together to convey the memory.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
First Day of Drama
The first 2 days of school went off without so much as a tiny little hiccup. We were on time. Everyone was happy. Everyone was cooperative. No rushing. No problem!
Today, we had our first morning with any hint of stress. Maybe it was from the entire bowl of cereal & milk that was spilled all over the kitchen floor, requiring 1/2 a roll of paper towels to clean it up. Maybe it was the food squished & smeared all over the lunch box (that had been left in the book bag instead of taken out & put away properly). Or maybe it was something else... like the fact that the kids left the breakfast table at 8:00, with a good 20 minutes left to get dressed & brush teeth, yet when I went up to check on Isaac (who had yet to come back downstairs) at 8:16, I found him in his room with his PJ shirt on and his bare bottom hanging out.... clearly had NOT been getting dressed or brushing teeth for the last 16 minutes.... I suspect a Pokemon Card distraction (which is often the case when the boys get sidetracked)! Since the bus is schedule to pick them up at 8:20, we had 4 minutes to throw his clothes on, scrub his teeth, and rush down to grab shoes and his backpack.
I told him that if it happens again, he is losing his Pokemon cards for 3 days, among other things. If it continues to be an issue, I suppose their bedroom will have to be gutted and left completely void of all toys and books. I don't want to have to do that (mostly because it will cause a serious crowding problem in the basement), but I would rather do that than have to rush to beat the bus in the mornings!
Now, moving on with the day..... here's hoping for a stress-free morning from this point forward!
Today, we had our first morning with any hint of stress. Maybe it was from the entire bowl of cereal & milk that was spilled all over the kitchen floor, requiring 1/2 a roll of paper towels to clean it up. Maybe it was the food squished & smeared all over the lunch box (that had been left in the book bag instead of taken out & put away properly). Or maybe it was something else... like the fact that the kids left the breakfast table at 8:00, with a good 20 minutes left to get dressed & brush teeth, yet when I went up to check on Isaac (who had yet to come back downstairs) at 8:16, I found him in his room with his PJ shirt on and his bare bottom hanging out.... clearly had NOT been getting dressed or brushing teeth for the last 16 minutes.... I suspect a Pokemon Card distraction (which is often the case when the boys get sidetracked)! Since the bus is schedule to pick them up at 8:20, we had 4 minutes to throw his clothes on, scrub his teeth, and rush down to grab shoes and his backpack.
I told him that if it happens again, he is losing his Pokemon cards for 3 days, among other things. If it continues to be an issue, I suppose their bedroom will have to be gutted and left completely void of all toys and books. I don't want to have to do that (mostly because it will cause a serious crowding problem in the basement), but I would rather do that than have to rush to beat the bus in the mornings!
Now, moving on with the day..... here's hoping for a stress-free morning from this point forward!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
So How'd It Go?
Isn't that the question of the day on the 1st day of school? Especially being in a new school, with new classmates and teachers that are completely unfamiliar? I know I was eager to find out, as I'm sure you are!
I went to the school to pick the boys up today. We had to be at gymnastics by 4:30, and I just don't trust the busing system to run on-time the first day! Isaac came running out with a great big smile on his face. He told me he has the best room ever in the whole building because it's the newest room (apparently an addition?). He said he doesn't know anyone in his class, and he forgot to eat the snack I sent (so he ate class graham crackers instead), but he had fun. Lunch was good (hot dog). His special was Music. Generally good report.
Sebastian, on the other hand, walked out with a kind of sulky look on his face. He got in the van & didn't say much. When I asked about his day, he answered with a nonchalant "good." Hmmm... Mom's suspicions are up. He really didn't offer up much info, even when I asked specific questions. I did find out that he remembers the name of one classmate he met today; it was kind of weird to have 2 different teachers (they switch teachers mid-day... one teaches a few subjects & the other teaches the rest); the ceilings are lower than they are at his old school (leave that one to Sebastian to observe); and he tried carrots with lunch but didn't really like them (he prefers crunchy, uncooked carrots). That was about it from him.
I suspect that he is missing his friends, some of whom he had been in class with for 3 straight years. I suspect he is missing the familiar and feeling a bit displaced. Please keep both of the boys in your thoughts & prayers over the next few weeks of adjustment. Things that seem so small and insignificant to us as adults can seem insurmountable as a child. All in all, though, I think they'll do just fine. It will just take some time to settle in.
I went to the school to pick the boys up today. We had to be at gymnastics by 4:30, and I just don't trust the busing system to run on-time the first day! Isaac came running out with a great big smile on his face. He told me he has the best room ever in the whole building because it's the newest room (apparently an addition?). He said he doesn't know anyone in his class, and he forgot to eat the snack I sent (so he ate class graham crackers instead), but he had fun. Lunch was good (hot dog). His special was Music. Generally good report.
Sebastian, on the other hand, walked out with a kind of sulky look on his face. He got in the van & didn't say much. When I asked about his day, he answered with a nonchalant "good." Hmmm... Mom's suspicions are up. He really didn't offer up much info, even when I asked specific questions. I did find out that he remembers the name of one classmate he met today; it was kind of weird to have 2 different teachers (they switch teachers mid-day... one teaches a few subjects & the other teaches the rest); the ceilings are lower than they are at his old school (leave that one to Sebastian to observe); and he tried carrots with lunch but didn't really like them (he prefers crunchy, uncooked carrots). That was about it from him.
I suspect that he is missing his friends, some of whom he had been in class with for 3 straight years. I suspect he is missing the familiar and feeling a bit displaced. Please keep both of the boys in your thoughts & prayers over the next few weeks of adjustment. Things that seem so small and insignificant to us as adults can seem insurmountable as a child. All in all, though, I think they'll do just fine. It will just take some time to settle in.
School Pictures!
We had a great morning! The kids got up bright and early, ready to get back to school! They got themselves dressed before breakfast (although Isaac had to change pants twice, once because he 100% did not match, and once because his 2nd choice didn't even fit him). During breakfast Sebastian lost his front tooth (he lost his other front tooth a few days ago, so now he has a big giant gap in the front of his face!! lol!).
As we were finishing getting ready, Isaac started acting really funny - being very quiet and moody. I talked to him for a minute and realized he was getting nervous. Honestly, I had expected this from him, but I had expected it would have happened much earlier than this. We talked, and he asked me to pray with him, so we prayed. He seemed to settle, and he perked up quite a bit. Then we rushed outdoors to wait.
We did the picture thing, of course! LOL! Have you ever known me to pass up a photo-op?! The bus was actually on time, surprisingly! And I, of course, got choked up as I watched my big boys climb up the steps and onto the bus, on their way to a new year in a new school.
Back
Back to waking up before 7:00.
Back to a morning routine.
Back to back packs and packed lunches.
Back to bus routes.
Back to school.
I'll be back later to post some pictures & details of the morning. We have a busy morning ahead of us still. Have a great day!
Back to a morning routine.
Back to back packs and packed lunches.
Back to bus routes.
Back to school.
I'll be back later to post some pictures & details of the morning. We have a busy morning ahead of us still. Have a great day!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Bald Spot
Tonight Lucas gave the boys hair cuts to get ready for their first day of school tomorrow. To keep it clean, they did it out on the back porch. At dinner, Lucas said something about how the birds can use the hair for their nests, or something like that.
Sebastian made a funny face, rubbed his head, and said, "I can't imagine the birds taking all my hair. Then I would have a bald spot."
Isaac laughed.
"Then I would need a wig" Sebastian continued.
Isaac laughed harder.
Then silence.
"What's a wig?" Isaac asked. Apparently after laughing, he realized he didn't know what he was laughing at.
"A wig is fake hair for people who don't have their own,"answers Sebastian-the-know-it-all. "Like Grandpa. He could use a wig."
That was it. Isaac lost it! Clearly, the jokes are funnier when he actually understands what they mean!
Sebastian made a funny face, rubbed his head, and said, "I can't imagine the birds taking all my hair. Then I would have a bald spot."
Isaac laughed.
"Then I would need a wig" Sebastian continued.
Isaac laughed harder.
Then silence.
"What's a wig?" Isaac asked. Apparently after laughing, he realized he didn't know what he was laughing at.
"A wig is fake hair for people who don't have their own,"answers Sebastian-the-know-it-all. "Like Grandpa. He could use a wig."
That was it. Isaac lost it! Clearly, the jokes are funnier when he actually understands what they mean!
C'mon October!!
I am beyond excited!! Last night we officially made plans to do something we've never done before! On October 3, Lucas and I are going with his dad & his grandpa on a fall colors train ride!! It's an all-day event, from 9:00 in the morning until 7:00 at night. I am just SOOO super happy to be able to do this! The only bummer is that his mom has to work, so she won't be able to be with us. But she has made me swear to take lots and lots of pictures and video!! Now we just have to figure out arrangements for someone to watch the kids... not spending $125 per child to have them couped up on a train all day complaining that they're bored! Eeek! I'm sure we'll figure something out!!
Less than a month to go!
Less than a month to go!
...
So I thought that after eating virtually nothing for dinner last night, Meagan would be HUNGRY for breakfast. We had a special McDonald's family breakfast. She ate about 1/2 of her sandwich, gave Isaac the rest of her sausage and threw the remainder away. What are we going to do with that girl?!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
You may be excused.
Again tonight Meagan was sent away from the dinner table for complaining and being disrespectful. She didn't like what we were having, and made it known in about ten different ways, from "I hate this" to "this is gross" to "I can't eat this." The list goes on. After a few moments of trying to redirect her and encourage her to try it, I gave her a warning. She continued, so I did what I told her I would do. She was simply excused from the table to go sit on her bed until everyone else was finished. No other food. No desert. No snack. She quickly started in with promises of "I won't complain...I won't whine anymore." But it was too late. So, her collective dinner consisted of about 4 bites of salad, one bite of baked potato, and a bite of garlic bread. She will be hungry for breakfast tomorrow!
Friday, September 4, 2009
From Start to Finish
I woke up today, and before ever getting out of bed, realized that there were about a million things I could possibly do today. I also realized that I had absolutely no plan. I think because I have so many open items on my list of things to do, lately I've been getting to the end of the day feeling as though I've done nothing. I know I've been busy doing something for almost every waking minute, but if I were to try to articulate where my time had gone, my explanation is most unimpressive. And at the end of each day, there is still a list that feels like it's a mile long of things yet to be done.
This morning, I decided to try something. I thought, If I am going to get to the end of my day and wonder if I've even done anything, I should at least be able to give myself an answer. So, I grabbed a fresh, never-been-used spiral notebook and a pen, and began. I jotted down everything I did today, just to see what my day actually entails. I realized a few things very quickly... 1) I get interrupted a lot, which pulls me off task, or gets me distracted... this is part of being a mom I think, but it's also a weakness of mine; 2) I do a lot of things automatically without even giving them a second thought. In the end, this was a fun, eye-opening exercise. I think what I liked the most about it, though, was that it shifted my perspective to what I WAS doing rather than what was still left to be done. That little shift can make all the difference in a day!
So, if you're interested, here are the results:
This morning, I decided to try something. I thought, If I am going to get to the end of my day and wonder if I've even done anything, I should at least be able to give myself an answer. So, I grabbed a fresh, never-been-used spiral notebook and a pen, and began. I jotted down everything I did today, just to see what my day actually entails. I realized a few things very quickly... 1) I get interrupted a lot, which pulls me off task, or gets me distracted... this is part of being a mom I think, but it's also a weakness of mine; 2) I do a lot of things automatically without even giving them a second thought. In the end, this was a fun, eye-opening exercise. I think what I liked the most about it, though, was that it shifted my perspective to what I WAS doing rather than what was still left to be done. That little shift can make all the difference in a day!
So, if you're interested, here are the results:
- I woke up, started my day off with a good-morning prayer, which quickly got interrupted by Isaac & Meagan, who were fighting about who-knows-what. I helped them regain peace & composure, then got out of bed.
- Headed downstairs, quickly checked emails & CT forums. I did a quick post on Facebook, then, determined NOT to waste my day on the computer, I moved on.
- Next was breakfast. The kids and I talked about the day while I made a general to-do list & picked a few things to try to focus on. After breakfast I took a few minutes to flip through a new magazine.
- On to bath time. Ran bath water for Meg & plopped her in for a good long soak. While she was decontaminating, I sorted kids' clothes and started the 1st load of laundry for the day. At one point during laundry, I had to stop and smile, as Meagan was humming Zippity doo dah. Love that. After getting laundry rolling, I scrubbed Meg, got her out of the tub & dried off. Added some fresh water to the tub for Isaac's turn. Then, another switch, as Isaac got out & Sebastian got in (since I don't have to do much for them during bath time anymore, I took that time to comb & dry Meagan's hair...always an experience).
- On to the kids' rooms. I sorted through Meagan's mess, putting it into piles for her to clean up. Then did the same for the boys.
- Next, helped Meg vacuum her bedroom.
- Switch laundry, start a new load (stopping mid-stream to get Sebastian a band-aid to cover a puncture wound on his palm from one of his toys).
- After giving the boys some encouragement on finishing their room, I started my own shower water. While I waited for the water to get hot, I straightened up the bathroom. Hurried through the shower, and short-cut the hair & make-up... it was time for lunch by then.
- Lucas was already home from work for lunch, so I threw some shoes on, loaded Meg in the van, and we headed to Taco Bell to get lunch. Lunch with the family - lots of laughing... our kids are funny stuff!
- Quick clean-up of sorts in the kitchen...left most of the mess for later, whenever that might be. Quick check of email and a quick blog post, then off to switch laundry & start the last load of kids' clothes....note by now my pile of things to fold is growing!
- Throw some socks & shoes on & head outside to start planting some mums we got the other day. First, transplant a few existing plants to make room. Pull weeds. Plant mums (Meagan helped for a while, but lost interest when I wouldn't let her dig wherever she wanted with the big shovel). Brief pause to answer the phone & get a drink, then back to planting (it's 2:00 by this time... and I had made the choice to ignore the laundry for the time being... it could wait, right?)
- After the mums were in the ground, into the kitchen to do a better job of clean-up - wipe down the table & chairs, sweep, load the dishwasher, clear off recycling. By now, it was snack time - hate to mess up the kitchen I just cleaned, but this is life w/ 3 kids at home I guess.
- Quick straightening of the downstairs bathroom. Then the living room - more piles of toys in the middle of the floor for the kids to put away.
- Decided I better run errands before it was too late - back into the van. Then to the bank. Then to Wal-Mart for a few groceries for dinner.
- Unloaded the groceries while the kids cleaned their things out of the van -- oops, got sidetracked by email & Facebook again (lost about 20 minutes there)
- Back to unloading groceries, and getting a start on dinner - made homemade pizzas & fresh fruit & veggies.
- Cleared off recycling (again)
- Loaded dishwasher (again)
- Changed laundry to dryer (again)
- Made our bed while I was up there
- Waiting for Lucas to get home from work, I took a minute to download some new scrapping supplies to be put to use this evening.
- Dinner - more funny stuff from the kids.
- Then clean up (again)
It was then 6:45. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel! Almost done with my stuff for the day. Just another quick shower (to wash off the dirt & grass from planting). Then we got to chill with the kids for a few before getting them ready for bed. They laid down to watch a movie around 8:00, and I officially went off-duty. Plopped my butt in the recliner with my laptop and played.
It was a good day. And even though my to-do list is still a mile long, I have come to the end of this day knowing that I used my time well. It was a good balance of working, playing & talking with the kids, and taking a few breaks here & there. Plus, now I have one very-specifically documented day that I can look back on years from now. It may seem very trivial today, but in 10 years, I know I will cherish being able to peek into this day, near the end of summer break, when my kids were 8, 6, and 4, and see what I did from start to finish.
Experiment
Doing an experiment today. Will share later. Maybe I'm the only one who will have gained anything from it, but I guess at least that is something. I'll check back later.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
more and more
More and more I am noticing a fork in the direction of Meagan and the boys. More and more they are playing together and leaving her out. More and more they are unwilling to play girly games, and require her to play their "boy" games if she wants to play with them. More and more she is feeling the effects of being the only girl, and she is desperately wanting someone to play with her. Until this time, the boys have been very patient, very willing play mates. She has had very little trouble finding someone to play with her. Lately though, she has come to me to be her playmate. The only thing is, she keeps coming to me right at the time that I'm getting ready to do something or I am right in the middle of something. Sometimes it is something I can't put on hold. Other times, I have been able to make the choice to stop what I am doing and give her my time and attention. I feel bad, though, because I can only give her bits and pieces, or nothing would ever get done around here. What she really wants is for me to play at her side from sun up 'til sun down. What she really wants is a sister. Poor girl. She just needs to find a friend who can come over and play... a lot. (Just a note, I notice that her behavior gets most difficult to deal with when she is feeling the most frustrated about having to play alone. Interesting the way we have such a need for relationship and companionship even at such a young age, and how, even at four, that has such an impact on her mood and attitude. Amazing what can be learned about human nature by being a mommy.)
Bonus Food
Just a fun little thing. Yesterday for lunch, I ran through Arby's and got a bunch of sandwiches for us. When I got home and started unpacking the bags, I realized that they had given us 5 extra roast beef sandwiches and an extra box of fries. For a second, I thought of taking it back, but then realized they would just throw it out anyway. So we stuck it in the fridge and had them for dinner! Love a free meal every now & then!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Hey Gus, Just because we love you....
Happy Birthday old man (as old as the dinosaurs!! LOL) We had a great weekend with you two! Thanks for coming up!Friday, August 28, 2009
Surprise!
How could I forget to tell you about my surprise!!! Yesterday I came home from gymnastics to find my husband in the driveway assembling a 2-person tree stand! I know, this is really mostly for him, but I'm so excited about maybe getting to go out and sit with him! I've been wanting to do that for a year now, but couldn't because there was no room for me! Now all I need are some camo's.... and a babysitter! LOL!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Playing Catch-up
I've gotten a few layouts done over the past few days that I haven't had a chance to post yet...
The first one I did using Krystal Hartley's kit, Study Hall. These pictures are from this past winter session of story hour at the library. It was mid-February, and they were making a penguine craft. Very cute! The only bad thing was that they used goldfish crackers, and she kept wanting to eat them off of her picture! LOL!
The second is another layout of Meagan - these pictures are from her tea party with Julia this past February. As you can clearly see, it was a PRINCESS party. They were definitely happy to play the part! Girls can be so girly!
Last one for tonight... this one is from our trip to Gun Lake a few weekends ago. I had a bunch of pics of Isaac, and a great photo collage by Pink Ellie. I figured they would go well together! Worked out pretty good I think. Anyway, I'm just so taken by these pictures of him. It's so hard to believe he's getting so big! He looks so grown up in some of these! I think because he is the same size as Sebastian, sometimes I forget he is only six. He's still my little boy, though! Such a sweetheart!
Random bits & pieces
Hard to believe our week is already coming to a close. Feels like this week has flown by! Tuesday and Wednesday were my last 2 days of watching my friend's little boy... he hung out with us for a few days a week throughout August. The kids have loved having him around, and Meagan says he is 'just the cutest thing ever!' I think she is really going to miss him!
This week was also the last week of the summer gymnastics session. Next week Meagan will be moving up to a more advanced level, which will definitely be good. For the past month at least, she's been literally bouncing off the walls! Flying through the obstacle courses and stations that are set up... she's even started making up her own things to do, which sometimes gets her in a bit of trouble! LOL! On the other hand, Isaac has decided not to rejoin his class for the fall session. He would rather just sit & watch, and save his energy for something else...I think he has his sites set on flag football. Sebastian is continuing on with boys' pre-team. He seems to be a little torn with what he wants to do. I think he wants to do gymnastics AND football. I would like to be able to let him do that... he's just so young to be ruling out everything else besides gymnastics. I don't know...it will really depend on the schedule. I already feel a bit like a taxi service!
Tomorrow we are going to hang out at home. I HAVE to clean a few things and get some laundry done before the weekend. We also are preparing for guests!! Yea!! Luc's parents are coming to visit for the weekend. We're all really looking forward to it!
This week was also the last week of the summer gymnastics session. Next week Meagan will be moving up to a more advanced level, which will definitely be good. For the past month at least, she's been literally bouncing off the walls! Flying through the obstacle courses and stations that are set up... she's even started making up her own things to do, which sometimes gets her in a bit of trouble! LOL! On the other hand, Isaac has decided not to rejoin his class for the fall session. He would rather just sit & watch, and save his energy for something else...I think he has his sites set on flag football. Sebastian is continuing on with boys' pre-team. He seems to be a little torn with what he wants to do. I think he wants to do gymnastics AND football. I would like to be able to let him do that... he's just so young to be ruling out everything else besides gymnastics. I don't know...it will really depend on the schedule. I already feel a bit like a taxi service!
Tomorrow we are going to hang out at home. I HAVE to clean a few things and get some laundry done before the weekend. We also are preparing for guests!! Yea!! Luc's parents are coming to visit for the weekend. We're all really looking forward to it!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Early to bed....
Early to bed, early to.... well, nope.... just early to bed. That was the theme of Meagan's night tonight. Poor girl just can't seem to figure out that when I say no backtalk, I mean it. To spare you the painful details of trying to get her to cooperate during clean-up time, we'll skip to the part where I warned her that if she talked back to me again she would go to bed for the rest of the night... and then she talked back again.... and then I sent her to bed. It was 7:00, so, by all means, it was definitely close enough to bedtime that this was not cruel and unusual punishment. She was tired. She was not listening. She had been warned. She got exactly what I warned her she would get.
It was a long night of putting her back in bed and listening to her cry, scream, yell, and even beg. She tried everything... she even tried to "I'm sooorrrryyy" her way out of it. I simply told her, "Thank you for saying sorry. I accept your apology. Now go back to bed." Not the result she was hoping for, I'm pretty sure.
At last, by about 9:00, she finally gave in & stayed in bed, and she is now sound asleep. I wonder if she will believe me the next time I tell her she will have a consequence for her sassy behavior. If not, I guess she'll be going to bed early a few more times until the lesson sets in.
It was a long night of putting her back in bed and listening to her cry, scream, yell, and even beg. She tried everything... she even tried to "I'm sooorrrryyy" her way out of it. I simply told her, "Thank you for saying sorry. I accept your apology. Now go back to bed." Not the result she was hoping for, I'm pretty sure.
At last, by about 9:00, she finally gave in & stayed in bed, and she is now sound asleep. I wonder if she will believe me the next time I tell her she will have a consequence for her sassy behavior. If not, I guess she'll be going to bed early a few more times until the lesson sets in.
Weekend
This past weekend we made a last-minute trip to Grandma & Grandpa B.'s house. Earlier this summer, they had made plans to take the kids for a few days of vacation at Cedar Point, but plans were undone due to back injury issues. Well, this past weekend was fair weekend at their place, and the kids have loved the fair the past few times we've gone. So we headed down for bracelet day on Saturday. They each got a ride bracelet, which meant five hours of running like maniacs from one ride to the next... or running in loops on the same ride over and over and over again! Whatever the case, they had a great time!
Saturday evening, Mom & Mike took the kids to Chucky's for dinner, and Lucas and I got some just-the-two-of-us time! That doesn't happen very often, so it was a really nice getaway! We went out for way too much Mexican food! Then we went to the movies (we saw District 9, which was altogether odd, but interesting, and relatively entertaining for the non-sci-fi girl that I am). Love date nights every now and then!
Sunday, we got up, got packed and ready early, and then headed to the dollar movies before heading home. We went to see the 3rd Ice Age. Rather cute movie. Meagan loved the baby dinosaurs! All in all, it was a great weekend! We had lots of fun visiting, and playing and hanging out! Now, all we have to do is get through the week, and it will be time to visit with Grandma & Grandpa H. The kids are in grandparent heaven! And we are loving the chance to get to see everyone again before school and schedules kick in again!
Saturday evening, Mom & Mike took the kids to Chucky's for dinner, and Lucas and I got some just-the-two-of-us time! That doesn't happen very often, so it was a really nice getaway! We went out for way too much Mexican food! Then we went to the movies (we saw District 9, which was altogether odd, but interesting, and relatively entertaining for the non-sci-fi girl that I am). Love date nights every now and then!
Sunday, we got up, got packed and ready early, and then headed to the dollar movies before heading home. We went to see the 3rd Ice Age. Rather cute movie. Meagan loved the baby dinosaurs! All in all, it was a great weekend! We had lots of fun visiting, and playing and hanging out! Now, all we have to do is get through the week, and it will be time to visit with Grandma & Grandpa H. The kids are in grandparent heaven! And we are loving the chance to get to see everyone again before school and schedules kick in again!
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Chase....
Well, all I can say is that Meagan has been quite a piece of work lately. Her attitude has become super-sized, and she is testing the waters with just how bold / defiant she can be. Wednesday night, she found the limit.
It was almost bedtime, and I had asked the kids to go upstairs, get pj's, brush teeth... that sort of thing. The boys went right away. Meagan stalled on the couch and chose to totally and completely ignored me. I asked her again, and was met with sass.
After a whole day of backtalk from her, followed by and correction from me, I just really wanted her to listen...just once. She, however, had very different ideas. And she stood her ground, and busted out another dose of sass.
I looked at her and said firmly, "Meagan, I'm tired of your backtalk. I want you to go upstairs now and get ready for bed."
She squared off at me, and screamed back, "WELL, I'M TIRED OF HEARING YOUR VOICE!!" After a momentary pause, during which time I processed what she had actually just said to me, she took off running, at her top speed, up the stairs.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Bask
I threw together a layout last night of some pictures of Meagan at the lake this past weekend. I had a girly kit that had some sprays & fish and so forth, so these pictures were an easy choice.
Journaling: A day at the beach with our friends from church. You swam & played all day and had a blast. 8/15/09.
Credits: {Wendy Page} - Summer Funk kit (at FPD)
Be Yourself
It's official! The mohawks have found their place in our scrapbooks! I had to capture, not only how they looked after the new do's, but also the bit of a life lesson they encountered as a result.
Journaling: "Your idea. Your hair. When it was time for hair-cuts, you decided to go mohawk. Not my first choice for a do, but it won't hurt anything. I don't think any of us expected you new cuts would lead to lessons on life. Who knew this would be an opportunity for you to learn about the impact of your decisions. Who would have thought this hair cut would turn out to be a teaching tool. lesson learned: be true to yourself."
Credits: {Cardamome} - Jean Tonic, font - [ank] (downloaded from internet)
Journaling: "Your idea. Your hair. When it was time for hair-cuts, you decided to go mohawk. Not my first choice for a do, but it won't hurt anything. I don't think any of us expected you new cuts would lead to lessons on life. Who knew this would be an opportunity for you to learn about the impact of your decisions. Who would have thought this hair cut would turn out to be a teaching tool. lesson learned: be true to yourself."Credits: {Cardamome} - Jean Tonic, font - [ank] (downloaded from internet)
Define Healthy
Tonight for dinner, Meagan caught wind of the fact that I was planning to make homemade chicken fingers. The girl does not like to eat meat (unless it is in the form of a pressed-together nugget or some version of cold-cut lunch meat). She was less-than-pleased with my dinner selection. This is how she went about telling me without complaining (which happens to be a big no-no at our house that gets you sent to your bed without eating)...
"Mommy, I really want to eat something healthy for dinner.... (long pause for dramatic impact)... and chicken fingers aren't healthy for me."
"They're not? Are they healthy for me?"
"Yes, they can be healthy for other people, but they're not healthy for me. I really like to eat healthy food."
(Sounds good, doesn't it?)
"Well, Meg, what is healthy for you then?"
"Well, stuff like ice cream. Ice cream is healthy for me..... (pausing to decide whether the next bit is too much or not.... aah, just go for it).... and cookies are healthy too!"
In the end, she ate the chicken fingers, as well as the peas, and the macaroni. She also added a banana and some grapes once her plate was clean.... which, by the way I was later informed that fruit is also healthy for her. But not peas.
"Mommy, I really want to eat something healthy for dinner.... (long pause for dramatic impact)... and chicken fingers aren't healthy for me."
"They're not? Are they healthy for me?"
"Yes, they can be healthy for other people, but they're not healthy for me. I really like to eat healthy food."
(Sounds good, doesn't it?)
"Well, Meg, what is healthy for you then?"
"Well, stuff like ice cream. Ice cream is healthy for me..... (pausing to decide whether the next bit is too much or not.... aah, just go for it).... and cookies are healthy too!"
In the end, she ate the chicken fingers, as well as the peas, and the macaroni. She also added a banana and some grapes once her plate was clean.... which, by the way I was later informed that fruit is also healthy for her. But not peas.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Rain Rain
One more layout I just finished. This one using Rain Rain by Krystal Hartley. These pictures were taken at one of Sebastian's ridiculously cold football games last fall. It was overcast and windy and misty, but Meagan was totally unaffected by it. She bundled up and made her own fun playing with the umbrella.
Journaling: 'The rain doesn't stop you from enjoying yourself. Just the opposite. For you, this rainy day was merely an opportunity to play with the umbrella. Oct '08'
***
Journaling: 'The rain doesn't stop you from enjoying yourself. Just the opposite. For you, this rainy day was merely an opportunity to play with the umbrella. Oct '08'
***
Music of my Life
I did this page a few days ago using Cardamome's re-release of her kit Rock with Me. These pictures were taken during our 2008 family silly string fight held in our back yard.... come to think of it, I think we should do another one of those before they go back to school!
Anyway, I had an idea for using this paper... I was going to do like a monochromatic clustering on each of the sunbursts... you know, like one all blues, one all reds, etc. I guess that's sort of what I did, but visually, there is a LOT going on on this layout, so I'm not sure it's all that obvious. Oh well, I still ended up with a crazy fun page for our album!
The title is the journaling... "Your sweet laughter is the music of my life."
***
Anyway, I had an idea for using this paper... I was going to do like a monochromatic clustering on each of the sunbursts... you know, like one all blues, one all reds, etc. I guess that's sort of what I did, but visually, there is a LOT going on on this layout, so I'm not sure it's all that obvious. Oh well, I still ended up with a crazy fun page for our album!
The title is the journaling... "Your sweet laughter is the music of my life."
***
Some Lake Pictures
Here are the pictures I promised. By the way, last night, while I was looking at the pictures, I figured out how Meagan's armpits got burned. She had on floaty wings all day, and I noticed in all the pictures that she was holding her arms out to the sides a bit...all day. I think the sun reflected off the water and hit her under the arms. I guess I should have sprayed sun screen under her arms... who knew?!
As you can see, Sebastian spent a LOT of his time digging for shells and interesting stones. He was so focused all day, even passing up a water balloon game so he could keep searching. Meagan and Isaac helped look on occassion, but mostly they splashed in the water.
As you can see, Sebastian spent a LOT of his time digging for shells and interesting stones. He was so focused all day, even passing up a water balloon game so he could keep searching. Meagan and Isaac helped look on occassion, but mostly they splashed in the water.
***
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A Day at the Lake
We were up bright and early this morning to get ready for a trip to the lake. We met a group of people at the church, and all headed to a lake about an hour from here to spend the day, have a picnic, and hang out. It was a great day! The beach was almost empty, the water was shallow and pretty warm, and the weather was perfect! It was a nearly perfect day.... only a few minor exceptions, not the least of which is that somehow Meagan actually managed to get a sunburn on her armpits...??? Who knows! (I'll try to post pictures tomorrow when I won't mess Lucas up if I upload... he's playing online right now, and when I upload his game lags & he usually ends up getting shot *LOL*)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Stuffed Peppers Recipe
At the request of Kelly, one of my online buds, here is the recipe I used for the stuffed peppers. I'm sure any variation of the ingredients will work just fine. I just happen to be a short-cutter due to my lack of love for cooking, so I just make stuff up! (*LOL*) 3 medium/large green peppers - I cut them in half, then cored them... this actually left a hole in the bottom of each 1/2 pepper. At first I was concerned, but it actually worked out just fine, so I can give no reason to make it more complicated... anyway, (as simple math dictates) this made 6 stuffed peppers. 1 lb ground sausage - I used Italian seasoned sausage, but I'm sure any flavor, or probably even ground beef or ground turkey, would do just fine. I chopped up just a bit of onion, threw it in with the sausage & browned it. 1 package of Rice a Roni Natural Long Grain Wild Rice - While the sausage was browning, I slightly under-prepared the rice in a microwave dish. I think the instructions said 21-25 minutes...I did about 20. Still some water left, and the rice was al dente. When the microwaved beeped, I dumped the rice, water & all, into the browned sausage. 1 jar of pizza sauce - I used pizza sauce simply because I had opened a jar earlier today for Isaac to dip a pretzel in. I figured I may as well finish using it. It was probably around 10 oz. I'm sure any version of tomato sauce/marinara would be fine. Anyway, I just dumped the sauce into the skillet, and mixed it up with the sausage & rice. Shredded Mozzarella cheese - I put about 1 cup into the sausage mix and saved the rest to go on top of the peppers. At this point, the 6 pepper bowls were sitting in the baking dish. Next steps:
- Scoop the sausage mix into the peppers.
- Top with the rest of the cheese (about 1 cup)
- Pour ~ 1/8 - 1/4 cup of water in the bottom of the baking dish
- Cover with Foil
- Bake at 400 for 40-45 minutes
- Remove the foil and bake ~ 5 minutes longer to brown the cheese
There was lots of liquid in the bottom of the dish, but it didn't affect the meal at all... I think it just helped to steam the peppers thoroughly, actually. And the best part about the whole thing was that I had 45 minutes of baking time to play on the computer!! :)
** Using the Rice-a-roni and pizza sauce, 1 pepper = 20 carbs, for anyone who might need that info. **
I wasn't expecting that!
Tonight for dinner, I got brave and made stuffed green peppers. This is a meal that I have always liked, ever since Nancy made them when I was little. However, for fear of dinner-time backlash, I have, until now, avoided making them. I figured, since I get complaints from mac & cheese and chicken fingers, there would be quite the uproar about a meal of green pepper, tomato sauce, sausage and rice.
All I can say is, maybe it was all in my sales pitch? When the kids came in from playing outside, they, like always, came straight over to the stove to inspect the soon-to-be-eaten meal. "What's that?!" was Isaac's response. Hmmm... choose your words carefully, I thought to myself. "Well, it's like a green pepper with sausage pizza stuffed inside... it has sausage and pizza sauce and cheese... and just a little bit of rice to make it stick together."
"Oh." was the only response.
We sat down and started eating. I braced myself. Much to my surprise, however, I was greeted with, "Mmmm... it kind of does taste like pizza.... this is kind of good.... can I have more?" Music to my ears! I must say that stuffed peppers was not the meal I was expecting to bring such responses, but I'll take it!! Sa-weeeet!
All I can say is, maybe it was all in my sales pitch? When the kids came in from playing outside, they, like always, came straight over to the stove to inspect the soon-to-be-eaten meal. "What's that?!" was Isaac's response. Hmmm... choose your words carefully, I thought to myself. "Well, it's like a green pepper with sausage pizza stuffed inside... it has sausage and pizza sauce and cheese... and just a little bit of rice to make it stick together."
"Oh." was the only response.
We sat down and started eating. I braced myself. Much to my surprise, however, I was greeted with, "Mmmm... it kind of does taste like pizza.... this is kind of good.... can I have more?" Music to my ears! I must say that stuffed peppers was not the meal I was expecting to bring such responses, but I'll take it!! Sa-weeeet!
Too Bad...
After dinner tonight, Meagan went outside to play while I cleaned up the kitchen. I peeked out a few times, and each time she was in the middle of make-believe. One time she was playing school, and she was the preschool teacher. One time it looked like she was walking through a jungle or something...I didn't interrupt her to ask. So I was surprised when the door opened up, and she came walking into the kitchen.
"Mommy, our sunflower that was used to be bright and shiny is dead." I turned around to find her carrying a handful of dead, dried out roots and grass blades (not a sunflower in actuality, but to her just about every flower is a sunflower). She took it over to the trash can and, sadly, placed the lump of dirt into the bin. "Too bad, huh?" she said in a sad, tiny little voice. "I guess it just ran out of oxygen. It's really too bad when that happens."
"Mommy, our sunflower that was used to be bright and shiny is dead." I turned around to find her carrying a handful of dead, dried out roots and grass blades (not a sunflower in actuality, but to her just about every flower is a sunflower). She took it over to the trash can and, sadly, placed the lump of dirt into the bin. "Too bad, huh?" she said in a sad, tiny little voice. "I guess it just ran out of oxygen. It's really too bad when that happens."
Shout Out!
So I just gotta give a big giant THANK YOU shout out to the ladies who have recently invited me to be a part of their creative teams... Shannon (Shanmomto4), Sandrine (Cardamom), and Krystal (Krystal Hartley). Thank you so much!!
As you can see, I have just finished updating my blog a bit... I was ready for a new look and wanted to try something different. Oh, the possibilities.... !! Anyway, if you want to check out the amazing designs of any of 'my' designers (hehehe!), their stores are all linked at the top right. Good stuff! I am such a lucky duck!!
As you can see, I have just finished updating my blog a bit... I was ready for a new look and wanted to try something different. Oh, the possibilities.... !! Anyway, if you want to check out the amazing designs of any of 'my' designers (hehehe!), their stores are all linked at the top right. Good stuff! I am such a lucky duck!!
I Wanna Be a Rock Star
Lately, Meagan has been asking me quite often, "Momma, do I look like a rock star?" Today, however, I was honestly able to say "Yes." She put this outfit together herself... from the pink pants & baby doll shirt to the shiny slippers to the pink bracelet at her elbow to the pink diva army hat. Love it! How could I resist a quick photo shoot? (Believe it or not, I did not direct this much... I just said, Meg, stand by the window & pull your hat down a bit.)
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Plan for Today
Well, so far, we have picked up the upstairs, stripped and remade kids' beds, cleaned up the living room, and done a few loads of laundry. I think while lunch is going, I might run the vacuum. Our last bit of cleaning for today will be to clean out the van after lunch - meaning just take out the toys and the trash that don't belong - before we get ready to leave for an afternoon of school clothes shopping! The kids are excited about the prospect of fresh new clothes, and new backpacks. I think we may wait until a little closer to school time to do shoes, unless I find a really good deal today. They have a tendency to basically destroy footwear!
So that's the plan for the day. Have a somewhat cleaned-up house, a non-trashed van, and get new stuff for school. I like it!
So that's the plan for the day. Have a somewhat cleaned-up house, a non-trashed van, and get new stuff for school. I like it!
love
I have always adored these pictures of Sebastian and Meagan right after she was born. He has, right from the start, been so loving and affectionate toward her. Even now, very rarely can she do anything wrong in his eyes.
I tried once a while ago to scrap these photos with paper supplies. It was okay, but I wasn't thrilled with the results. When I saw this new kit, Blessed, by Sahlin Studio, I thought of these again right away, and thought I'd given them another try. I definitely like the results of the digital attempt better than the paper one.
I tried once a while ago to scrap these photos with paper supplies. It was okay, but I wasn't thrilled with the results. When I saw this new kit, Blessed, by Sahlin Studio, I thought of these again right away, and thought I'd given them another try. I definitely like the results of the digital attempt better than the paper one.
Journaling: From the moment Sebastian laid eyes on Meagan, he was captivated. He spent every waking moment pouring out his attention on her - snuggling her, talking to her, sharing his toys with her, or just watching her be. Their relationship is sweet.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Girly Layouts
I have 2 new layouts of Meagan to post. Funny, both of them have pictures of her taken while we were rollin' down the road. I didn't do that on purpose... I just noticed it afterward.
This first layout was made using a new kit by Purple Colourz, as well as a few things from other kits - all available at Funky Playground. I did this layout for a challenge, the concept being to do a non-12x12 layout on a bright white background, so that when it's viewed, it looks like something other than 12x12. Interesting... I had not done anything like that before, but I kind of like the way it turned out. I just might try that again some time.
The journaling reads: *Pink Pink Pink EVERYTHING! *dresses & skirts every day *make up and polished nails *fancy shoes in every style & color *matching accessories and jewelry ~So Girly
This second layout was also made using FPD goodies... this time mostly a new kit by Miss Tiina called Cassidy. Very 80's retro! I love it!
The journaling is just some of the funny conversations Meagan and I have had in the van - like the one about wanting a baby sister so she could get a bunk bed, or the one where she called her Leapster a hamster. She is just such a character! I love our talks!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Pre-Team?!
This week the boys each did a trial class of gymnastics at the same gym where Meagan is taking classes. Isaac's class was on Tuesday. Sebastian's was on Thursday. And, as always, Meagan's was on Wednesday. So, yes, we were at the gym for 3 days in a row.
Isaac's class went well. He did great! He staid focused, he listened, he tried new things, and he did pretty well at it. I was really proud of him. Afterwards, the coach approached me and said that Isaac had done really well, and he would love to see him in the program - that he has a lot of skill and he thinks he could really do well. Isaac's feedback was that he really really liked it, and he wanted to sign up right NOW!! I told him we would wait until after Sebastian's Thursday class and sign everyone up at once.
While we were there Tuesday for Isaac's class, Meagan's coach approached me and mentioned to me that she thinks Meagan is getting to the place where she is "doing circles around the other kids." She told me she has a lot of talent and "crazy potential." She mentioned that in September they are doing an invitational class that is for younger kids who are too young for team but need more of a challenge then the average toddler class.
Sheesh!
So then comes Thursday - Sebastian's class. He did great. Got right in there, picked up on things really quickly, and just all-around hung with everyone in his class. I could see he was doing well, but I was also talking to a friend of mine who was there, so I wasn't really watching with much scrutiny. At the end of the class, I asked Sebastian how he liked it... trying to get a feel for whether it was something he was interested in, and did I need to sign him up for a class. He was BEAMING! He was so excited! He just about talked my ear off about how much fun it was and all the new things he had tried. Okay okay, I get it! We'll put you in a class.
So, I found Sebastian's coach to ask him his thoughts... just, generally speaking, was this class a good fit for Sebastian, etc. etc. I was pretty much expecting him to say, yes he did fine, blah blah. I was taken completely off guard when he said to me, "He did great! And actually, I think he would be a better fit on team." Honestly, I think I didn't even make a response. But I must have made a funny face, because he followed that up with, "or pre-team at the very least, if you're not sure about team yet."
Okay. Not at all what I was expecting to hear. My head had not even for a moment processed that as a possibility. I talked to the coach for a few more minutes. He explained to me why he thought Sebastian should be moved up, then asked me my thoughts. I told him I would think about it, but that at the very least, Sebastian would be back for next Thursday's class.
After talking to Sebastian about it, and then to Lucas, and then to the lady at the reception desk (who, in great detail spelled out the financial and time-commitment aspects of pre-team and team... eeek!), and then thinking on it, and talking about it some more, we have decided to give it a try. So, Tuesday is Sebastian's first pre-team practice. He will practice on Tuesday & Thursday. Isaac will practice on Tuesday (after Sebastian), and Meagan on Wednesday. I have a feeling I'm going to become more familiar with the gym than I had ever imagined in a very short time! But, if this is something Sebastian is excited about and wants to commit to, at least for now, then we'll go with it.
Isaac's class went well. He did great! He staid focused, he listened, he tried new things, and he did pretty well at it. I was really proud of him. Afterwards, the coach approached me and said that Isaac had done really well, and he would love to see him in the program - that he has a lot of skill and he thinks he could really do well. Isaac's feedback was that he really really liked it, and he wanted to sign up right NOW!! I told him we would wait until after Sebastian's Thursday class and sign everyone up at once.
While we were there Tuesday for Isaac's class, Meagan's coach approached me and mentioned to me that she thinks Meagan is getting to the place where she is "doing circles around the other kids." She told me she has a lot of talent and "crazy potential." She mentioned that in September they are doing an invitational class that is for younger kids who are too young for team but need more of a challenge then the average toddler class.
Sheesh!
So then comes Thursday - Sebastian's class. He did great. Got right in there, picked up on things really quickly, and just all-around hung with everyone in his class. I could see he was doing well, but I was also talking to a friend of mine who was there, so I wasn't really watching with much scrutiny. At the end of the class, I asked Sebastian how he liked it... trying to get a feel for whether it was something he was interested in, and did I need to sign him up for a class. He was BEAMING! He was so excited! He just about talked my ear off about how much fun it was and all the new things he had tried. Okay okay, I get it! We'll put you in a class.
So, I found Sebastian's coach to ask him his thoughts... just, generally speaking, was this class a good fit for Sebastian, etc. etc. I was pretty much expecting him to say, yes he did fine, blah blah. I was taken completely off guard when he said to me, "He did great! And actually, I think he would be a better fit on team." Honestly, I think I didn't even make a response. But I must have made a funny face, because he followed that up with, "or pre-team at the very least, if you're not sure about team yet."
Okay. Not at all what I was expecting to hear. My head had not even for a moment processed that as a possibility. I talked to the coach for a few more minutes. He explained to me why he thought Sebastian should be moved up, then asked me my thoughts. I told him I would think about it, but that at the very least, Sebastian would be back for next Thursday's class.
After talking to Sebastian about it, and then to Lucas, and then to the lady at the reception desk (who, in great detail spelled out the financial and time-commitment aspects of pre-team and team... eeek!), and then thinking on it, and talking about it some more, we have decided to give it a try. So, Tuesday is Sebastian's first pre-team practice. He will practice on Tuesday & Thursday. Isaac will practice on Tuesday (after Sebastian), and Meagan on Wednesday. I have a feeling I'm going to become more familiar with the gym than I had ever imagined in a very short time! But, if this is something Sebastian is excited about and wants to commit to, at least for now, then we'll go with it.
Jet
Sebastian's Lego jet that he built. He is so good at Lego's, it really blows my mind sometimes the things he comes up with.
Journaling: You are always building & creating new ships & machines with your legos. You definitely have a gift, and you enjoy it so much! This jet was one of your biggest challenges yet, but so fun!
Credits: This is my first layout as a member of the creative team for Shannon (aka...Shanmomto4). I used her latest kit, Zoom Zoom. You should definitely check out her shops: ahhh scraps & Scrapable. She has some adorable stuff! I'll be updating my blog soon to include a link to at least one of her shops.
Wishing Fountain
I did this layout for the Lilypad Blog Challenge. This is a scraplift of a gorgeous layout by Dunia. Here's her layout that I used for inspiration. These pictures are from our July trip to Meijer Garden. The journaling reads: 'our first stop at Meijer Garden was the fountain garden. i love that wishing fountains still hold an element of mystery & enchantment for you! - 7/3/09'
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