One of my former students sent me the link to this SUPER article!!! All about the 50 things you should know by the age of 50!!!
LOVE IT!! Click RIGHT here
In a round about way it reminds me of a bucket list, but without it being a list of the things you WANT to do, and rather what you SHOULD know :))) LOL!
I feel inspired and may have to come up with a list of 40 things by the age of 40, seeing as how that's only two years away for me!
2009/11/21
Considering
I am very much considering at least combining all my blogs, even though I feel they are of such separate natures. Hmmmm...
The other major advantage to Facebook is that we can share whatever we want with our friends and family and not have to worry about anyone complaining!!!
SO, for here, on this blog...you will probably find (if I keep it along with the others but don't combine), more whimsical musings ;)
I wish I were a leaf floating down the frosty-edged river. JUST KIDDING :p
The other major advantage to Facebook is that we can share whatever we want with our friends and family and not have to worry about anyone complaining!!!
SO, for here, on this blog...you will probably find (if I keep it along with the others but don't combine), more whimsical musings ;)
I wish I were a leaf floating down the frosty-edged river. JUST KIDDING :p
Irony, indeed!
I know I have not been talking...well, at least not here. All sorts of reasons for that, but mostly I do enjoy connecting and chatting on Facebook :)
October was a whirlwind for us! Oh, so busy, and I am just happy that life is mellowing out a bit.
Everyone is happy and healthy! I will update more, as I do have LOTS to talk about!!
October was a whirlwind for us! Oh, so busy, and I am just happy that life is mellowing out a bit.
Everyone is happy and healthy! I will update more, as I do have LOTS to talk about!!
2009/09/15
Our newest baby...
This little guy was born just yesterday. HE IS TINY! We call him the mini mini! LOL. That's not really his name!
Our horse Marshmallow is this little guy's papa! We won't be keeping this little one, but rather just visiting him regularly :) The next baby (his brother or sister) will come home with us!
I have just personally NEVER seen such a TINY little horse!! Amazing.
2009/08/19
Cody is almost home :)
As you know, my oldest son Cody is a US Marine, and he was on a Military Expeditionary Unit (MEU) since January. He has visited all over the world, and he has incredible experiences.
But the good news...he's home in the US, and even better, he will be here this Saturday! I can hardly contain myself. I am overwhelmed!!! Everyone here is THRILLED for the homecoming!!!!!
Also, some other good news, he asked his girlfriend to marry him. Of course, he did it such a romantic way (I've raised him well), when he returned home, on the parade deck and in uniform, he bent down on his knee and asked SP (short for Esperanza) to marry him! I hope to post that video sometime soon. Jordan was there in San Diego, and he taped it for me!
This is a pic of them when he left back in January.
We have talked to SP, exchanged gifts, Facebooked, etc, but this will be the first time we meet her in person, and we are thrilled!
And, SP has never been to Washington, so we have a TON of fun things planned for their visit!
Stay tuned!
But the good news...he's home in the US, and even better, he will be here this Saturday! I can hardly contain myself. I am overwhelmed!!! Everyone here is THRILLED for the homecoming!!!!!
Also, some other good news, he asked his girlfriend to marry him. Of course, he did it such a romantic way (I've raised him well), when he returned home, on the parade deck and in uniform, he bent down on his knee and asked SP (short for Esperanza) to marry him! I hope to post that video sometime soon. Jordan was there in San Diego, and he taped it for me!
This is a pic of them when he left back in January.
We have talked to SP, exchanged gifts, Facebooked, etc, but this will be the first time we meet her in person, and we are thrilled!
And, SP has never been to Washington, so we have a TON of fun things planned for their visit!
Stay tuned!
Roller coaster of a day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jordan Donald Bradley!!!!
Today we are celebrating the birth of Jordan seventeen years ago!! So, hard to believe. BOY IT GOES BY TOO FAST!!!
We have had fun celebrating in all sorts of ways today! Including a yummy waffle breakfast, homemade double fudge and a double batch of brownies (with chocolate frosting) a la mode, a cupcake cake, presents, friends, family. GOOD TIMES! I love birthdays, and we always make a HUGE deal out of them!
We have had all of the festivities going on, which will also continue this Saturday when CODY comes home!!!! YEAH! I will have all my kiddos here together :)
So, the sad note today is that our goat Albert passed away. He truly is a part of our family, and the loss has devastated EVERYONE. All the kids were sad today.
I know it's part of living on a farm, but it's the part that REALLY sucks!
Albert seriously thought he was a dog, and he would follow you everywhere. He was such a silly goat!
We have lots of smiles and laughter because of him! I remember times that he would houdini out of his pasture, and just be hanging out by my car when I walked out to go somewhere. Or, he loved this old trailer, and he would go in and lay on the couch to sleep!
Albert will be missed :(
Today we have experience the celebration of life and the heartbreak of death. What a day!
Today we are celebrating the birth of Jordan seventeen years ago!! So, hard to believe. BOY IT GOES BY TOO FAST!!!
We have had fun celebrating in all sorts of ways today! Including a yummy waffle breakfast, homemade double fudge and a double batch of brownies (with chocolate frosting) a la mode, a cupcake cake, presents, friends, family. GOOD TIMES! I love birthdays, and we always make a HUGE deal out of them!
We have had all of the festivities going on, which will also continue this Saturday when CODY comes home!!!! YEAH! I will have all my kiddos here together :)
So, the sad note today is that our goat Albert passed away. He truly is a part of our family, and the loss has devastated EVERYONE. All the kids were sad today.
I know it's part of living on a farm, but it's the part that REALLY sucks!
Albert seriously thought he was a dog, and he would follow you everywhere. He was such a silly goat!
We have lots of smiles and laughter because of him! I remember times that he would houdini out of his pasture, and just be hanging out by my car when I walked out to go somewhere. Or, he loved this old trailer, and he would go in and lay on the couch to sleep!
Albert will be missed :(
Today we have experience the celebration of life and the heartbreak of death. What a day!
Gimme a break!
For REAL...who in the heck TRULY cares that Michelle Obama is wearing shorts? OMGawsh, she was on vacation, it was hot, she was at the Grand Canyon. Puhhhleaze!
I can't believe it's even an issue. It cracks me up all the headlines about eyebrow raising because of the shorts. Who's eyebrows are raising, and more importantly WHO CARES?!
I LOVE that our first lady is a MOM. I love that she is grounded and real, and what she wore, I would wear. Am I the first lady? NOPE. But, she is a MOM first, and they were on a family vacay.
Would I raise my eyebrows if she was wearing shorts to a formal meeting of some kind...mabye?
Anyhoot, all this fashion drama just tells me that people don't have much to do, and too much ado about nothing.
I can't believe it's even an issue. It cracks me up all the headlines about eyebrow raising because of the shorts. Who's eyebrows are raising, and more importantly WHO CARES?!
I LOVE that our first lady is a MOM. I love that she is grounded and real, and what she wore, I would wear. Am I the first lady? NOPE. But, she is a MOM first, and they were on a family vacay.
Would I raise my eyebrows if she was wearing shorts to a formal meeting of some kind...mabye?
Anyhoot, all this fashion drama just tells me that people don't have much to do, and too much ado about nothing.
2009/08/12
A place to visit!
We just had an incredible family trip to Montana! We went to visit Rick's brother and his family. I love going on vacations!!! Our next one is being planned right now (Disney Land, here we come!)
What a beautiful state, Montana is!!
We had soooo much fun exploring many places. My favorite was the Lewis and Clark Caverns.
First off, I LOVE the history of the place. Did you know that Lewis and Clark never even went into the caverns? Crazy, huh?! But, they did pass the area nearby and down below at the Jefferson River.
Anyhow, President Roosevelt named the caverns after Lewis and Clark, and it was the first national monument ever named after the two explorers. Cool, HUH?!
When my boys were younger, we went on a road trip to Texas, and we did stop off at the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Those were super cool, too, but it was a totally different experience, as it was less "hiking" and more just a walking tour. If I remember right, it was even wheelchair accessible. THIS IS NOT HOW THE LEWIS AND CLARK CAVERNS ARE!!! Our experience was way more like an adventure :)
For our PRIVATE family pics, head over to our other blog...
This is the road in and out of the caverns. We had around a 30-minute hike one way.
Cool formations!
They call this one the Empire State Building
The tunnel out of there:
What a beautiful state, Montana is!!
We had soooo much fun exploring many places. My favorite was the Lewis and Clark Caverns.
First off, I LOVE the history of the place. Did you know that Lewis and Clark never even went into the caverns? Crazy, huh?! But, they did pass the area nearby and down below at the Jefferson River.
Anyhow, President Roosevelt named the caverns after Lewis and Clark, and it was the first national monument ever named after the two explorers. Cool, HUH?!
When my boys were younger, we went on a road trip to Texas, and we did stop off at the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Those were super cool, too, but it was a totally different experience, as it was less "hiking" and more just a walking tour. If I remember right, it was even wheelchair accessible. THIS IS NOT HOW THE LEWIS AND CLARK CAVERNS ARE!!! Our experience was way more like an adventure :)
For our PRIVATE family pics, head over to our other blog...
This is the road in and out of the caverns. We had around a 30-minute hike one way.
Cool formations!
They call this one the Empire State Building
The tunnel out of there:
2009/08/03
Just finished
a fantastic book!! Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris. I LOVED it! The book has three parts, and the first one is told from Rayona, the second from her mother Christine, and the third from her grandmother Ida. WOW! Excellent read, clever way to tell the story!!!
I have done a LOT of reading this summer!! I will post up the other books when I get home :)
I also have a gi-normous list of books that I want to read! I hope to finish another book on this vacation :)
I have done a LOT of reading this summer!! I will post up the other books when I get home :)
I also have a gi-normous list of books that I want to read! I hope to finish another book on this vacation :)
So many pics!
My cord on my camera is not working properly, but I do have another little gizmo that will read my camera card, so when we return home from vacation, I have TONS of pics to share :)
2009/07/22
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW
Seriously, this is the longest I have gone without blogging!! We are OK! Well, no make that, we are FANTASTIC! Life has just been happily busy, and so I haven't had time to really blog. Trust me...LOTS to blog about and TONS of pics coming soon!
2009/07/08
I love to cook!!!!
Got a Dutch oven for my birthday this year, and I LOVE IT! I used it for the first time this past weekend when went horse camping!!!
I made some of the most YUMMY (and moist) chicken EVER!! I added biscuits, so it was just like chicken and dumplings!
We went for a hike while it was cooking, and when we came back we could SMELL the chicken...TO DIE FOR!
And, what is it about eating when you are up in the mountains? Everything tastes intensely tasty!!
I also made a peach cobbler :) It was so easy and yummy, WOW!
OK, if you google Dutch oven recipes, you will find a zillion! I wish I would've thought to take pics of the food! Next time!
Easy Chicken and Dumplings:
Chicken breasts (I used frozen)
1 big can of Cream of Chicken soup
2 cups of Chicken broth
can of biscuits
seasonings :)
Mix soup and broth together, add chicken breasts, then last 20 minutes add biscuits.
Peach Cobbler
2 big cans of peaches (next time I am going to try a different fruit, maybe cherries)
1 box of cake (I used white)
1/3 stick of butter
cinnamon
Dump cans in, dump cake in and spread all over the peaches, add cinnamon, and cut up butter and drop in all over.
I made some of the most YUMMY (and moist) chicken EVER!! I added biscuits, so it was just like chicken and dumplings!
We went for a hike while it was cooking, and when we came back we could SMELL the chicken...TO DIE FOR!
And, what is it about eating when you are up in the mountains? Everything tastes intensely tasty!!
I also made a peach cobbler :) It was so easy and yummy, WOW!
OK, if you google Dutch oven recipes, you will find a zillion! I wish I would've thought to take pics of the food! Next time!
Easy Chicken and Dumplings:
Chicken breasts (I used frozen)
1 big can of Cream of Chicken soup
2 cups of Chicken broth
can of biscuits
seasonings :)
Mix soup and broth together, add chicken breasts, then last 20 minutes add biscuits.
Peach Cobbler
2 big cans of peaches (next time I am going to try a different fruit, maybe cherries)
1 box of cake (I used white)
1/3 stick of butter
cinnamon
Dump cans in, dump cake in and spread all over the peaches, add cinnamon, and cut up butter and drop in all over.
Play dates!
When I grew up, even though we moved A LOT (13 times from Kindergarten through my senior year), we always lived in town, and thankfully always in a neighborhood with a bazillion kids!
Even when I lived in Cashmere, Leavenworth, and Peshastin as an adult, my kids still lived near lots of kids, so playing just happened so naturally.
Now, that I live on a farm, I was just reflecting how instead of just playing with the neighbor kids (there are NONE), we make play dates!
This actually takes some planning and coordinating, and truly some commitment, if you want to make it happen regularly.
SO, this summer we have had a ZILLION play dates up at our house! It's so much fun!!!
I guess I sorta took for granted all the things we have to do up here, and that it's such a different experience for the kids who come to play, since they all live in neighborhoods with lots of kids.
We ride horses, have picnics, play on the trampoline, turn the slide into a waterslide, play on the swings, play in the water, etc.
I love the sound of children's laughter! And, when we play up at our house, it's so fun to observe how creative the kids are and how much they can use their imaginations to have a blast!
And, what I really like...everything is UNPLUGGED and very active :)
You can check out our private blog to see some fun pics of our recent play dates!! I really feel blessed to have such an incredible home and playground :)
Even when I lived in Cashmere, Leavenworth, and Peshastin as an adult, my kids still lived near lots of kids, so playing just happened so naturally.
Now, that I live on a farm, I was just reflecting how instead of just playing with the neighbor kids (there are NONE), we make play dates!
This actually takes some planning and coordinating, and truly some commitment, if you want to make it happen regularly.
SO, this summer we have had a ZILLION play dates up at our house! It's so much fun!!!
I guess I sorta took for granted all the things we have to do up here, and that it's such a different experience for the kids who come to play, since they all live in neighborhoods with lots of kids.
We ride horses, have picnics, play on the trampoline, turn the slide into a waterslide, play on the swings, play in the water, etc.
I love the sound of children's laughter! And, when we play up at our house, it's so fun to observe how creative the kids are and how much they can use their imaginations to have a blast!
And, what I really like...everything is UNPLUGGED and very active :)
You can check out our private blog to see some fun pics of our recent play dates!! I really feel blessed to have such an incredible home and playground :)
A scrapper's dream :)
I stumbled upon this really cool site. I think I found it from a link from someone I follow on Twitter :)
It's totally free, and it will take your pic and make them into collages for you. You can do shapes, letters (change the font to any kind you want), and even custom shapes or letters!
It's so easy and so quick! You can choose an entire folder of pics, drag it over, make a collage, save it as a JPG, all in less than two minutes!!! VERY COOL!
I am including two examples here (and one over on our private blog). I used the heart shape, and then the letter "h" since the pics are all from our horse rides!
I just uploaded the pics to Walmart, so I can see what they look like printed out!!
The site is www.shapecollage.com. Enjoy!!!!
You can see a really cool one I made of our family on our private blog! Just click right here!!
2009/07/07
Bad blogger, I KNOW.
Oh, My Blog, how I have missed thee...
You would think with all this extra time on my hands that I would be all caught up blogging, but alas, I am not. OH WELL.
It's not that I don't have tons to talk about because really I do. I have actually been keeping a list of things to blog about, so I wouldn't forget.
I have just been having so much fun with the fam and friends, that by the time I have some sitting on the couch time to blog, well, I would rather watch a little tv or read and then go to bed! LOL
I know, it's a rough life to play so hard that you don't have time to blog! LOL
The funny thing...I have had a couple of people actually give me grief about not keeping my blogs up to date this summer. Now, I find this amusing, considering they both had started blogs, and have not updated for MONTHS. Geez. Give me a break, right?! LOL. Love you guys!!
So, I will be blogging more soon.
You would think with all this extra time on my hands that I would be all caught up blogging, but alas, I am not. OH WELL.
It's not that I don't have tons to talk about because really I do. I have actually been keeping a list of things to blog about, so I wouldn't forget.
I have just been having so much fun with the fam and friends, that by the time I have some sitting on the couch time to blog, well, I would rather watch a little tv or read and then go to bed! LOL
I know, it's a rough life to play so hard that you don't have time to blog! LOL
The funny thing...I have had a couple of people actually give me grief about not keeping my blogs up to date this summer. Now, I find this amusing, considering they both had started blogs, and have not updated for MONTHS. Geez. Give me a break, right?! LOL. Love you guys!!
So, I will be blogging more soon.
2009/06/24
LOL!
Yesterday we were invited to go to a puppet show with some of our friends :)
The show rocked! I was totally impressed, and all the kids and their reactions were hysterical!!
I really loved how there was some adult humor, which truly if you looked around the crowded room, I think the grown-ups had just as much fun!
One of my favorite lines said by the sheep about the big bad wolves, "They were scared sheepless!" LOL
My favorite puppet...this is a tough one. I would have to say the mouse. I just loved his attitude!
I forgot my camera, dang it! I won't next time!!
The show rocked! I was totally impressed, and all the kids and their reactions were hysterical!!
I really loved how there was some adult humor, which truly if you looked around the crowded room, I think the grown-ups had just as much fun!
One of my favorite lines said by the sheep about the big bad wolves, "They were scared sheepless!" LOL
My favorite puppet...this is a tough one. I would have to say the mouse. I just loved his attitude!
I forgot my camera, dang it! I won't next time!!
2009/06/21
Father's Day
I am a Daddy's girl, AND PROUD OF IT!!
I only wish my Daddy lived a little closer!! We had a great coversation today, though :)
I know we will see him soon enough, if not this summer then definitely in November!
I am also proud of the father who Ricky is :) He makes me want to be the best mom ever!
One of his many Father's Day gifts were purchased this year at Sue's Antiques and Treasures on Elmway.
Let me tell you...THAT PLACE IS AMAZING! It's far bigger than I ever expected! I love antiques, especially old farm stuff.
I saw so many things that remind me of my Grandpa Stinson. I miss him so much.
Well, this bowl was especially chosen because Ricky LOVES vanilla ice cream, so now he has his own special bowl. And, ya know...they don't make bowls like they used to!! I wish they had an entire set :)
Dad's Ice Cream...just in case someone else might eat it!
I only wish my Daddy lived a little closer!! We had a great coversation today, though :)
I know we will see him soon enough, if not this summer then definitely in November!
I am also proud of the father who Ricky is :) He makes me want to be the best mom ever!
One of his many Father's Day gifts were purchased this year at Sue's Antiques and Treasures on Elmway.
Let me tell you...THAT PLACE IS AMAZING! It's far bigger than I ever expected! I love antiques, especially old farm stuff.
I saw so many things that remind me of my Grandpa Stinson. I miss him so much.
Well, this bowl was especially chosen because Ricky LOVES vanilla ice cream, so now he has his own special bowl. And, ya know...they don't make bowls like they used to!! I wish they had an entire set :)
Dad's Ice Cream...just in case someone else might eat it!
WHAT a fun, fun dAy :)
3 AMIGOS
Today for Father's Day we headed out to go for a long horseride! This was so much fun!!! We went up to Buck Mountain, and we rode up to the lookout! The weather was amazing! We were in our own little world!
We saw turkeys, a coyote, a bear cub, deer (and a baby Bambi!!!), Blue Grouse, and even a frog! LOL
YOU CAN SEE ADDITIONAL FAMILY PICS AT OUR PRIVATE BLOG, JUST CLICK HERE!
I ended up riding Jack today :) He's such a beautiful horse!!!
Ricky on Jake
We live in some of THE most beautiful country. I always tell Rick when we ride on Sundays, that I am at church.
I just loved this rock ahead of us...next pic is the view once you rode up to the rock!
Today for Father's Day we headed out to go for a long horseride! This was so much fun!!! We went up to Buck Mountain, and we rode up to the lookout! The weather was amazing! We were in our own little world!
We saw turkeys, a coyote, a bear cub, deer (and a baby Bambi!!!), Blue Grouse, and even a frog! LOL
YOU CAN SEE ADDITIONAL FAMILY PICS AT OUR PRIVATE BLOG, JUST CLICK HERE!
I ended up riding Jack today :) He's such a beautiful horse!!!
Ricky on Jake
We live in some of THE most beautiful country. I always tell Rick when we ride on Sundays, that I am at church.
I just loved this rock ahead of us...next pic is the view once you rode up to the rock!
2009/06/19
Random Ramblings
Another reason why I love summer? I get to make my man his lunch every day. I am so proud of how hard he works, and I just love that I can be a little sunshine in his day :)
I try to make some creative lunch, sometimes using leftovers, but I like to surprise him!
Today I made a sandwich my daddy used to make when I was little...hotdog sandwich!
I cut the hot dogs in half lengthwise, and then grilled them and put them on the bread.
So, completely switching channels...I live on a small farm as most of you already know. How do I know that I live on a small farm? Is it the plethora of animals? The poop that is everywhere? NOPE...today I was reminded in an entirely different way.
I went to move the load of wash into the dryer, and I noticed something awry. SIGH.
It seems that a couple of cubes of alfalfa were washed. Trust me when I say this makes a mess! LOL
And, to add insult to injury...guess who left them in her pocket??? LOL! That's right, me!
Yes, I check EVERYONE'S pockets all the time...not sure how I missed mine. Oh well, made me chuckle!
Speaking of laughing, last night Rick and I watched a show we had on DVR - It was a Man vs. Wild episode, but with Will Ferrell along for the experience. OH MY GAWSH, did we laugh ourselves silly last night!!!
I love the show anyhow, and I like Will, so it was a perfect match.
Well, I have lots more to blog, but I am going to go exercise :) The recumbent bike is calling my name! LOL
I try to make some creative lunch, sometimes using leftovers, but I like to surprise him!
Today I made a sandwich my daddy used to make when I was little...hotdog sandwich!
I cut the hot dogs in half lengthwise, and then grilled them and put them on the bread.
So, completely switching channels...I live on a small farm as most of you already know. How do I know that I live on a small farm? Is it the plethora of animals? The poop that is everywhere? NOPE...today I was reminded in an entirely different way.
I went to move the load of wash into the dryer, and I noticed something awry. SIGH.
It seems that a couple of cubes of alfalfa were washed. Trust me when I say this makes a mess! LOL
And, to add insult to injury...guess who left them in her pocket??? LOL! That's right, me!
Yes, I check EVERYONE'S pockets all the time...not sure how I missed mine. Oh well, made me chuckle!
Speaking of laughing, last night Rick and I watched a show we had on DVR - It was a Man vs. Wild episode, but with Will Ferrell along for the experience. OH MY GAWSH, did we laugh ourselves silly last night!!!
I love the show anyhow, and I like Will, so it was a perfect match.
Well, I have lots more to blog, but I am going to go exercise :) The recumbent bike is calling my name! LOL
Hey scrappers and craft-a-holics!
I just stumbled upon a blog I really like, and I wanted to share it with all of my crafty mamas out there!!!
We made some super cute Father's Day stuff last week, and then I have been making a few things this week, too :)
It's almost here, 2 days and counting!!
We made some super cute Father's Day stuff last week, and then I have been making a few things this week, too :)
It's almost here, 2 days and counting!!
2009/06/17
Love cubed
That's right, I love, love, love going out to ride each night!!! It's great exercise, but even more, it's just so relaxing and peaceful.
People who know me well know that I have this obsession of taking pics of shadows. I got a FUN one tonight :)
People who know me well know that I have this obsession of taking pics of shadows. I got a FUN one tonight :)
Cool story.
Check out this story!
Pretty amazing. It has the possibility to touch our lives because Cody could end up on this ship when he goes on his second deployment late next year.
Pretty amazing. It has the possibility to touch our lives because Cody could end up on this ship when he goes on his second deployment late next year.
2009/06/16
Father's Day is coming!
I can't believe that June is already half over! Geez!
I am excited for this upcoming Sunday...Father's Day. I have lots of fun things planned for Ricky :)
As well, I can't wait to wish my own Daddy HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! I even more wish I could visit him in Vegas! That's coming soon enough.
Well, in my quest for the perfect ideas and gifts, I have come across some things I wanted to share!
Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE CUPCAKES!!!
I love these little lawnmower cupcakes! TOO CUTE! Although we have a riding mower, so it's not exact! You can go to this link to find out how to make them.
I found these super cute hamburger cupcakes, but I really loved all the ideas at this link. If nothing else, this place INSPIRES ya!
I also really liked these super cute hamburger and fries cupcakes! You can go to this link for directions to make these, too!
Some other fun cupcakes ideas:
No pictures, but good directions.
A fun blog!
HAPPY BAKING!!!
I am excited for this upcoming Sunday...Father's Day. I have lots of fun things planned for Ricky :)
As well, I can't wait to wish my own Daddy HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! I even more wish I could visit him in Vegas! That's coming soon enough.
Well, in my quest for the perfect ideas and gifts, I have come across some things I wanted to share!
Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE CUPCAKES!!!
I love these little lawnmower cupcakes! TOO CUTE! Although we have a riding mower, so it's not exact! You can go to this link to find out how to make them.
I found these super cute hamburger cupcakes, but I really loved all the ideas at this link. If nothing else, this place INSPIRES ya!
I also really liked these super cute hamburger and fries cupcakes! You can go to this link for directions to make these, too!
Some other fun cupcakes ideas:
No pictures, but good directions.
A fun blog!
HAPPY BAKING!!!
Good news :)
One of my goals this summer is to write more! I want to work on my book, and I want to do some freelance work.
So, last night I came up with a whole bunch of ideas to pitch my ideas, and I even wrote up a few query letters and emailed them, with many more in process.
Normally this takes a bit to hear something in return, and this morning, I did get a reply back and acceptance of my idea, and so now I have been hired to write an article! WOO hoo!! Good "extra" money :)
It was just such a surprise for it to happen so quickly,and I have so many more I want to get out there!!! It's so validating!
Stay tuned!!
So, last night I came up with a whole bunch of ideas to pitch my ideas, and I even wrote up a few query letters and emailed them, with many more in process.
Normally this takes a bit to hear something in return, and this morning, I did get a reply back and acceptance of my idea, and so now I have been hired to write an article! WOO hoo!! Good "extra" money :)
It was just such a surprise for it to happen so quickly,and I have so many more I want to get out there!!! It's so validating!
Stay tuned!!
One of my favorite things to do...
Today I finished my three care packages and sent them off. I love creating these boxes for Cody, one of his fellow soldiers (who doesn't get any mail), and also a son of my best friend who is deployed in the Navy (somewhere entirely different than Cody).
I always include random crazy stuff, and tons of food and drinks. I also like to include movies, newspapers, magazines, special letters, and all sorts of goodies!
I send enough extra stuff that it's always shared with the other guys!
I love heading into the post office to send the packages! And, it's so cool because they have flat rate boxes, and they allow people to mail the large one for the small box price, if you are sending it to someone in the military!
I am so proud of those boys, and I just love to send them a little something from home :)
Summer Lovin'
Had me a blaa-aast!!! LOL (love that movie!)
I do love summer! Why? Let me count the ways!!!
1) Catch up on movies - Blockbuster is our new best friend!
2) Watch some tv series - We are in the middle of the first season of Dexter!
3) Be outside until after 9 p.m. - If the mosquitoes cooperate, which we don't have them bad at our house, thank goodness!!
4) Sleep in - enough said
5) Stay up late! - TOO LATE, LOL, I always get a bit of summer insomnia.
6) Play dates - We get to make all sorts of fun play times with our friends ;)
7) Summer food - Bring on the BBQ, yeah for Farmers Market!! I love to cook, but I especially love to during summer with all the fresh food!
8) Obliterate my "Books I WANNA Read" list - I actually checked out 20 books from our school library. I started one book on Sunday, almost done!
9) Fun in the sun- Swimming, horseback riding, jumping on the trampoline, picnicking, hiking, bbqing, all of it!!!
10) Freedom - I can do whatever...whenever.
I do love summer! Why? Let me count the ways!!!
1) Catch up on movies - Blockbuster is our new best friend!
2) Watch some tv series - We are in the middle of the first season of Dexter!
3) Be outside until after 9 p.m. - If the mosquitoes cooperate, which we don't have them bad at our house, thank goodness!!
4) Sleep in - enough said
5) Stay up late! - TOO LATE, LOL, I always get a bit of summer insomnia.
6) Play dates - We get to make all sorts of fun play times with our friends ;)
7) Summer food - Bring on the BBQ, yeah for Farmers Market!! I love to cook, but I especially love to during summer with all the fresh food!
8) Obliterate my "Books I WANNA Read" list - I actually checked out 20 books from our school library. I started one book on Sunday, almost done!
9) Fun in the sun- Swimming, horseback riding, jumping on the trampoline, picnicking, hiking, bbqing, all of it!!!
10) Freedom - I can do whatever...whenever.
2009/06/14
I AM SO PROUD OF HER!!!!
I am so proud of her!!!!
My good friend Missy graduated this past Saturday from WVC! So, now she is officially half-way towards her goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.
I have forever told her she should be a teacher! She is amazing with kids, especially the little ones ;)
I also remember when she was first talking about going, and all of her fears, especially of returning to school when she had been out for so long.
I am just so proud of her for holding on to her dreams, and making them a reality!!
I know how hard it is for a busy mom, wife, and woman who works full-time to go back to school!!
I have known many women who have been too afraid to try, and others who have started but not finished, so I have MAJOR respect for my good friend Missy for accomplishing this first part of her journey!!
We had a good time at the BBQ, and you can see some of our pics HERE!
My good friend Missy graduated this past Saturday from WVC! So, now she is officially half-way towards her goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.
I have forever told her she should be a teacher! She is amazing with kids, especially the little ones ;)
I also remember when she was first talking about going, and all of her fears, especially of returning to school when she had been out for so long.
I am just so proud of her for holding on to her dreams, and making them a reality!!
I know how hard it is for a busy mom, wife, and woman who works full-time to go back to school!!
I have known many women who have been too afraid to try, and others who have started but not finished, so I have MAJOR respect for my good friend Missy for accomplishing this first part of her journey!!
We had a good time at the BBQ, and you can see some of our pics HERE!
Trampoline Time!
So, we love our trampoline :)
This weekend we decided to have a Trampoline nap!! So, out came the blankets and pillows, and even the two little dogs joined us!
And, I know Ricky fell asleep because he was snoring, LOL!
Some of our private family pics to share of hanging out on the trampoline. Just click HERE!
Turbo on the trampoline, burrowing into the blanket.
Rambo contemplating jumping off the trampoline.
This weekend we decided to have a Trampoline nap!! So, out came the blankets and pillows, and even the two little dogs joined us!
And, I know Ricky fell asleep because he was snoring, LOL!
Some of our private family pics to share of hanging out on the trampoline. Just click HERE!
Turbo on the trampoline, burrowing into the blanket.
Rambo contemplating jumping off the trampoline.
I promised new!!!
As you can see, my blog looks new :) I have made some changes.
Something new for sure...is that I have a new blog that I will be posting some of our private pictures. So, if there is a link to pics, and you've been invited, then you can now jump over to see pics that I will no longer post on this blog.
If you are someone I know, and I didn't send you an invite to the new pic blog...just send me an email, and I will send you an invite!
SO, I have created a private blog for our family and friends to see pics of our ENTIRE family ;)
Something new for sure...is that I have a new blog that I will be posting some of our private pictures. So, if there is a link to pics, and you've been invited, then you can now jump over to see pics that I will no longer post on this blog.
If you are someone I know, and I didn't send you an invite to the new pic blog...just send me an email, and I will send you an invite!
SO, I have created a private blog for our family and friends to see pics of our ENTIRE family ;)
2009/06/12
2009/06/11
Busy last day of school!!!
The last day of school = WAFFLE morning :) I always make yummy waffles for the kids at school. Everyone is invited, and it's in honor of all of those who have summer birthdays.
This year I made over 200 waffles!!!! I love that I have kids who even come to school to just eat a waffle, and then head out for the day at the lake or whatever.
Then we had the retirement lunch for Pat Messinger. This, of course, was bittersweet. SO, sweet that he is able to retire and do the things that he will enjoy doing (hunting, fishing, spending time with his family), but so sad to no longer have his smiling face wish me good morning every school day (along with every person in our school that he welcomes and wishes a good day!).
It felt good to be a part of this experience! I feel so lucky and honored to have worked with Pat, albeit only five years.
I have learned so much from him. He's such an amazing teacher and friend. I hope that I can impact students the way he did, as I continue teaching for the next twenty years.
I owe a lot to Pat, too, on a personal level. He has been such an incredible inspiration to both of my sons.
Back to school after the lunch (and some tears), and I spent the afternoon cleaning and readying my classroom. It feels like I am preparing for hibernation from teaching :)
Of course, the last day of school also equals our end of the year school BBQ. I love this event because it's fun to hang out with the people we work with and also all of their families. It was fun to watch all the little girls play dress-up, run around, and plan super cute "shows" for us!! LOL It's nice to have entertainment at our BBQ!
And, what about the food?!! Holy cow! I always say every single time that we should create an employee cookbook!!!! I love, love, love eating at the BBQ every year because I try something new that I just love to eat, LOL!
We did end up leaving the BBQ early because we headed down to the fairgrounds to watch the famous Lipizzaner Stallions! Fun! And, there were several ever people who also left early to caravan down to see the show.
I was so impressed with the skills of the stallions and their riders. I am not overly familiar with dressage, but it's impressive!
This year I made over 200 waffles!!!! I love that I have kids who even come to school to just eat a waffle, and then head out for the day at the lake or whatever.
Then we had the retirement lunch for Pat Messinger. This, of course, was bittersweet. SO, sweet that he is able to retire and do the things that he will enjoy doing (hunting, fishing, spending time with his family), but so sad to no longer have his smiling face wish me good morning every school day (along with every person in our school that he welcomes and wishes a good day!).
It felt good to be a part of this experience! I feel so lucky and honored to have worked with Pat, albeit only five years.
I have learned so much from him. He's such an amazing teacher and friend. I hope that I can impact students the way he did, as I continue teaching for the next twenty years.
I owe a lot to Pat, too, on a personal level. He has been such an incredible inspiration to both of my sons.
Back to school after the lunch (and some tears), and I spent the afternoon cleaning and readying my classroom. It feels like I am preparing for hibernation from teaching :)
Of course, the last day of school also equals our end of the year school BBQ. I love this event because it's fun to hang out with the people we work with and also all of their families. It was fun to watch all the little girls play dress-up, run around, and plan super cute "shows" for us!! LOL It's nice to have entertainment at our BBQ!
And, what about the food?!! Holy cow! I always say every single time that we should create an employee cookbook!!!! I love, love, love eating at the BBQ every year because I try something new that I just love to eat, LOL!
We did end up leaving the BBQ early because we headed down to the fairgrounds to watch the famous Lipizzaner Stallions! Fun! And, there were several ever people who also left early to caravan down to see the show.
I was so impressed with the skills of the stallions and their riders. I am not overly familiar with dressage, but it's impressive!
2009/06/09
Ahhhh...the last week of school
Life is busy (big shock, I know), but I THINK it's winding down.
I love the last week of school for all sorts of reasons:
1) My birthday almost always happens near the last day of school! It's tomorrow :)
2) I always put on the big WAFFLE breakfast on the last day of school to honor all those kiddos who have summer birthdays. I have been doing this as long as I have been teaching! It's so much fun!! Last year I think I made 250 waffles!!!
3) We do lots of fun end of the year activities. Yesterday my sophomores joined their first grade buddies for their picnic at Alma Park! We had so much fun, and I swear the big kids are even bigger kids-at-heart than the first graders! I loved watching them all play!!!!
4) We pack up a year. We reflect. We celebrate.
5) We have our end of the year BBQ as a staff. I always look forward to this, as we spend time outside of school enjoying each other, and there are TONS of kids who hang out, too!!! (And, the food always rocks!)
6) We make plans to enjoy summer! Swimming, horseback riding, hiking, exercising, losing weight, camping, writing, watching baseball, catching up on movies, sleeping in, reading, cooking, going on girls only trips, vacationing (Disney Land here we come!), all of it :)
7) We re-charge!
Summer...here we come :)
I love the last week of school for all sorts of reasons:
1) My birthday almost always happens near the last day of school! It's tomorrow :)
2) I always put on the big WAFFLE breakfast on the last day of school to honor all those kiddos who have summer birthdays. I have been doing this as long as I have been teaching! It's so much fun!! Last year I think I made 250 waffles!!!
3) We do lots of fun end of the year activities. Yesterday my sophomores joined their first grade buddies for their picnic at Alma Park! We had so much fun, and I swear the big kids are even bigger kids-at-heart than the first graders! I loved watching them all play!!!!
4) We pack up a year. We reflect. We celebrate.
5) We have our end of the year BBQ as a staff. I always look forward to this, as we spend time outside of school enjoying each other, and there are TONS of kids who hang out, too!!! (And, the food always rocks!)
6) We make plans to enjoy summer! Swimming, horseback riding, hiking, exercising, losing weight, camping, writing, watching baseball, catching up on movies, sleeping in, reading, cooking, going on girls only trips, vacationing (Disney Land here we come!), all of it :)
7) We re-charge!
Summer...here we come :)
2009/06/04
Love livin' on a farm!
We have quite the menagerie here at our place, and we are always adding new animals!
I need to take some pictures of our new turtle, Slow Mo Joe! LOL (Soon I promise)
I was able to get these pics of a Mama Robin and her babies in our tree :)
Volunteers Light the Way!
I wasn't able to attend the Volunteer Party last week at Virginia Grainger because I was busy in a union negotiations meeting, but I did receive my Volunteer certificate and the cute little keychain flashlight that says, "Volunteers Light the Way!"
It's so true. Whatever little time you can give, it does make a big difference.
It's so rewarding for me to work with kids one-on-one and give them extra support! I love doing little things for the teacher, too :)
Another added benefit is KNOWING the kids with whom your kids attend school!
As well, I have always been of the philosophy that parents and teachers should be partners in education!
And, actually my volunteering experience when my boys were young and in preschool and elementary school, truly is what motivated me to become a teacher!
Parents can volunteer in all sorts of ways. I am able to go in weekly, but I know some parents cannot do that because of their schedules.
But, you can volunteer to go on field trips, bring snacks to class, help with special parties or activities, create a bulletin board, or you can even volunteer to take on a craft project at home (preparing it, cutting it, etc.).
It's so true. Whatever little time you can give, it does make a big difference.
It's so rewarding for me to work with kids one-on-one and give them extra support! I love doing little things for the teacher, too :)
Another added benefit is KNOWING the kids with whom your kids attend school!
As well, I have always been of the philosophy that parents and teachers should be partners in education!
And, actually my volunteering experience when my boys were young and in preschool and elementary school, truly is what motivated me to become a teacher!
Parents can volunteer in all sorts of ways. I am able to go in weekly, but I know some parents cannot do that because of their schedules.
But, you can volunteer to go on field trips, bring snacks to class, help with special parties or activities, create a bulletin board, or you can even volunteer to take on a craft project at home (preparing it, cutting it, etc.).
Here Comes Graduation!
It’s that time of the year again…graduation! I can’t believe that it has already been two years since Cody graduated!!! It seems, at times, like only yesterday.
Now, my youngest son will be a senior! Class of 2010!! OH DEAR, I don’t know if I am ready for that!! This time next year, I will be a mess. Graduations are so bittersweet.
You are so proud of the kids and excited for what is to come, where they will go, who they will be. But, you are sad to see them leave, to not be around on a daily basis anymore, to have so much change so quickly. You will miss them so much.
I will greatly miss some of our seniors this year. As a teacher, you grow close to these kids, and you watch them become adults right in front of your eyes.
Sometimes it's hard to say good-bye, even if that's a good thing!!
Now, my youngest son will be a senior! Class of 2010!! OH DEAR, I don’t know if I am ready for that!! This time next year, I will be a mess. Graduations are so bittersweet.
You are so proud of the kids and excited for what is to come, where they will go, who they will be. But, you are sad to see them leave, to not be around on a daily basis anymore, to have so much change so quickly. You will miss them so much.
I will greatly miss some of our seniors this year. As a teacher, you grow close to these kids, and you watch them become adults right in front of your eyes.
Sometimes it's hard to say good-bye, even if that's a good thing!!
2009/06/02
Downright disgusted!
I know that I am being judgemental. I know that I am not perfect. I know that I have made more than my share of mistakes.
But, I am sick and tired of people making excuses for people who make mistakes that affect other people!
I have a friend who is close to a family that lost their 9-year-old daughter due to a drunk driving accident!
The father of this young girl was also critically injured, and he even had to have his leg amputated.
Here's the kicker...THIS KILLER HAD 6 DUIS!!!!! (That's a link, click on the lighter colored font to read the latest.)
Allow me to step up on my soapbox. Am I OK with even one DUI? NO, to be candid, not really. But, I could at least understand it, if a person had a DUI and then s/he changed her/his ways, NEVER, NEVER driving drunk again.
I know people who have two or three DUIs, who have to have those machines in their cars to allow them to even drive. That's wrong. More than one DUI, and I say SHAME ON YOU, no more driving. You've proven that you don't care about the danger in which you are placing the innocent others out there on the road.
Maybe I am bitter about it because it hits so close to home. I lost a close friend to a drunk driving accident the summer before my senior year. The pain of losing someone you love doesn't ever go away. Then to add to that a death that should've never happened, but did because one person made such a selfish decision.
All I know is...Lisa, I am sorry that your friends have been dealt this tragedy. Thank you, though, for sharing the story with me, as it reminds me of how strongly I feel.
But, I am sick and tired of people making excuses for people who make mistakes that affect other people!
I have a friend who is close to a family that lost their 9-year-old daughter due to a drunk driving accident!
The father of this young girl was also critically injured, and he even had to have his leg amputated.
Here's the kicker...THIS KILLER HAD 6 DUIS!!!!! (That's a link, click on the lighter colored font to read the latest.)
Allow me to step up on my soapbox. Am I OK with even one DUI? NO, to be candid, not really. But, I could at least understand it, if a person had a DUI and then s/he changed her/his ways, NEVER, NEVER driving drunk again.
I know people who have two or three DUIs, who have to have those machines in their cars to allow them to even drive. That's wrong. More than one DUI, and I say SHAME ON YOU, no more driving. You've proven that you don't care about the danger in which you are placing the innocent others out there on the road.
Maybe I am bitter about it because it hits so close to home. I lost a close friend to a drunk driving accident the summer before my senior year. The pain of losing someone you love doesn't ever go away. Then to add to that a death that should've never happened, but did because one person made such a selfish decision.
All I know is...Lisa, I am sorry that your friends have been dealt this tragedy. Thank you, though, for sharing the story with me, as it reminds me of how strongly I feel.
Donuts for Dads!
I love the parties in elementary school!!! Such a different world, than teaching up at the high school.
Today was a special day in first grade: Donuts for Dads!
Rick was so excited to go in this morning, and I was fortunate to see some pics of the event, and how much fun to see all those dads with their little ones :) YEAH!
The bulletin board is PERFECT, showcasing the Dad All-stars!!! I still think Mrs. Attridge should make a book and sell them to teachers!!
Today was a special day in first grade: Donuts for Dads!
Rick was so excited to go in this morning, and I was fortunate to see some pics of the event, and how much fun to see all those dads with their little ones :) YEAH!
The bulletin board is PERFECT, showcasing the Dad All-stars!!! I still think Mrs. Attridge should make a book and sell them to teachers!!
2009/05/28
Totally cute story!
Cody sent our little one a birthday card. Inside she found a $20 bill (which let me tell you...tickled her something big), and a Dinar and Half-Dinar which is the currency in Bahrain.
Well, she loves the Bahrain money because it's colorful! And, then she noticed that the Half-Dinar had horses on it!!!!
Her response to that, "Mom, look! Cody found me horse money! He's the best brother ever!" Too cute!!
Our little one is a giant-sized horse lover! We have everything horses (including her room), and, of course, our own horses that she rides, so she was SURE that Cody had sought out this horse money! TOO CUTE!
Well, she loves the Bahrain money because it's colorful! And, then she noticed that the Half-Dinar had horses on it!!!!
Her response to that, "Mom, look! Cody found me horse money! He's the best brother ever!" Too cute!!
Our little one is a giant-sized horse lover! We have everything horses (including her room), and, of course, our own horses that she rides, so she was SURE that Cody had sought out this horse money! TOO CUTE!
In perspective
I have a cold, or maybe it's allergies, or maybe both. Anyhoot, I haven't felt up to par since last week.
I am definitely ran down and tired. My body is saying, "ENOUGH, you do way TOO much!"
I was thinking about how miserable I was feeling, and then I received an email from my son Cody, a US Marine who is currently deployed. He just made it all come back into perspective for me.
Here is an excerpt of what Cody wrote to me:
So anyways, we just got back from working with the French in Africa…. And let me tell u, that there is really no god in Africa. That place is by far the most horrible place I have ever been to. I thought I was going to melt, oh my god it was so bad mom. Haha. I hope I never have to go back there. We had a few heat casualties in the platoon, and a couple guys in Bravo Company got blown up from a mortar round getting too hot or something, and then guys rushing to the scene rolled a Humvee! So there was like two serious air medivacs going on at the same time. The guys in bravo got shrapnel in their chest and neck and were like gonna die if it hadn’t have been for the field corpsman and the other marines there. Pretty crazy news.
And before that we were driving around in the oceans with our tracks (like I showed u in those videos) so we were in this heat, in 90* water, in an enclosed metal box. It was the hottest I've ever been in my life. And on top of that there was a leak in the gas line so the gas fumes was leaking into the sealed track. We had a two guys pass out, and the rest of us got sick. We ended up opening the top of the track while we were out at sea (which is like a big no no). and we got to shore right at the medical station and we had to rush guys everywhere that were all passed out and seizing up and stuff. Anyways, I know u don’t prolly like to here of that stuff, but that was my week. Lol. But I did meet some cool French guys (even tho most aren’t even French) and we met a lot of the African natives. So yea, I got to get going for now but I am back on ship and should be just heading home now. We are stopping in Kuwait, Thailand, and Japan and then back to Hawaii. So I am pretty excited! I love u ma! And I miss u!
I am so proud of my son! I can't wait until he is home, and I am not looking forward to his next deployment, which won't be a Military Expeditionary Unit (MEU), but rather a standard deployment, probably to Afghanistan.
I told him that I was glad that he told me everything because it reminds me that we shouldn't complain about and take for granted the things in our lives.
I have a feeling that most of those soldiers would've happily traded me for my week!
I am definitely ran down and tired. My body is saying, "ENOUGH, you do way TOO much!"
I was thinking about how miserable I was feeling, and then I received an email from my son Cody, a US Marine who is currently deployed. He just made it all come back into perspective for me.
Here is an excerpt of what Cody wrote to me:
So anyways, we just got back from working with the French in Africa…. And let me tell u, that there is really no god in Africa. That place is by far the most horrible place I have ever been to. I thought I was going to melt, oh my god it was so bad mom. Haha. I hope I never have to go back there. We had a few heat casualties in the platoon, and a couple guys in Bravo Company got blown up from a mortar round getting too hot or something, and then guys rushing to the scene rolled a Humvee! So there was like two serious air medivacs going on at the same time. The guys in bravo got shrapnel in their chest and neck and were like gonna die if it hadn’t have been for the field corpsman and the other marines there. Pretty crazy news.
And before that we were driving around in the oceans with our tracks (like I showed u in those videos) so we were in this heat, in 90* water, in an enclosed metal box. It was the hottest I've ever been in my life. And on top of that there was a leak in the gas line so the gas fumes was leaking into the sealed track. We had a two guys pass out, and the rest of us got sick. We ended up opening the top of the track while we were out at sea (which is like a big no no). and we got to shore right at the medical station and we had to rush guys everywhere that were all passed out and seizing up and stuff. Anyways, I know u don’t prolly like to here of that stuff, but that was my week. Lol. But I did meet some cool French guys (even tho most aren’t even French) and we met a lot of the African natives. So yea, I got to get going for now but I am back on ship and should be just heading home now. We are stopping in Kuwait, Thailand, and Japan and then back to Hawaii. So I am pretty excited! I love u ma! And I miss u!
I am so proud of my son! I can't wait until he is home, and I am not looking forward to his next deployment, which won't be a Military Expeditionary Unit (MEU), but rather a standard deployment, probably to Afghanistan.
I told him that I was glad that he told me everything because it reminds me that we shouldn't complain about and take for granted the things in our lives.
I have a feeling that most of those soldiers would've happily traded me for my week!
2009/05/21
Something to make ya smle ;)
So, I am 37 years old, almost 38 (next month!). And, I had a first time experience just a couple of weeks ago.
Ready for this? I was in a hurry, heading out early in the morning, and I grabbed my hoody sweatshirt.
I pulled on, and wouldn't ya know, I put it on backwards. NOW, let me tell you that putting on a hoody backwards is a VERY strange experience!!!
All of a sudden when you are expecting to pull your head through, instead your face is completely covered, and you feel like you might suffocate.
Then you feel SUPER STUPID!!! But, it is funny!
I can't believe that this has never happened to me before, but definitely an odd moment. LOL
Ready for this? I was in a hurry, heading out early in the morning, and I grabbed my hoody sweatshirt.
I pulled on, and wouldn't ya know, I put it on backwards. NOW, let me tell you that putting on a hoody backwards is a VERY strange experience!!!
All of a sudden when you are expecting to pull your head through, instead your face is completely covered, and you feel like you might suffocate.
Then you feel SUPER STUPID!!! But, it is funny!
I can't believe that this has never happened to me before, but definitely an odd moment. LOL
Sorry I have been quiet.
So, this past few weeks have felt like a year. I do feel physically and emotionally exhausted.
The hardest part was losing one of our students. I have only ever been to three funerals (just don't do them), and those were two of my students, and one fellow teacher.
I haven't felt much like talking or writing. Been feeling kinda empty.
Such a loss to lose a young person. Jose certainly inspires us all. He will be so missed.
Then when you couple the heartbreak with just doing too much, let me tell ya, I AM WORN OUT!!!
Things look busy this next week, too, so right now I am looking most forward to the first week of June, as that seems to mellow out a bit (YEAH RIGHT).
Before we know it, school will be out, and life will SLOW down!!
For now, hanging in there, and I am feeling like I am returning back to me.
The hardest part was losing one of our students. I have only ever been to three funerals (just don't do them), and those were two of my students, and one fellow teacher.
I haven't felt much like talking or writing. Been feeling kinda empty.
Such a loss to lose a young person. Jose certainly inspires us all. He will be so missed.
Then when you couple the heartbreak with just doing too much, let me tell ya, I AM WORN OUT!!!
Things look busy this next week, too, so right now I am looking most forward to the first week of June, as that seems to mellow out a bit (YEAH RIGHT).
Before we know it, school will be out, and life will SLOW down!!
For now, hanging in there, and I am feeling like I am returning back to me.
2009/05/14
Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuurprise!!!
Everyone who knows me knows that I love, love, love surprises! I love being on both the giving and receiving end of them!
I am not the best with surprises. In fact, if someone has a surpise for me, often s/he won't tell me because they know I will drive them nuts about it!!!!
In short, I love surprises, but I am too impatient to wait for them, LOL!
This goes for giving them, too. I sooooo want to spill the beans. It's so hard for me to wait.
OK, so for our little one's birthday, and also for Ricky Roo's (the day after our daughter's), and I had something HUGE planned for quite some time!
We first headed down to Wenatchee and stayed at a hotel. This was fun because staying at a hotel = jumping on bed and swimming until we prune up!
And, extra special, our little one modeled her new swimsuit and fancy flip flops from her Grandpa Bob and Grandma Judy!!! Too cute!
Well, to make a long story short, they had no idea what or where we were going, and the next day started early...4:30 p.m. because we took a train to Seattle!!!!
This was so much fun! It was a trip of firsts :) First train ride for Ricky and our little one. First time for them to go to the Pacific Science Center. First Imax movie (and 3-D at that!). First time in a taxi for our little one. We hung out at the fountain, which she loved!!!!! And, of course, the obligatory Space Needle pic! LOL. We didn't go up because we ended up spending too much time at the Science Center, but that will make for a fun trip this summer!!
Papa and sister!
She's a budding photographer!!
Making the Paddle Wheel work!
Drawing a cool pic!
We loved the bugs!
We loved the butterflies, especially! Yeah, for the butterfly house!
Mouthful of popcorn and ready for the movie!
Gi-normous chair!
On the train we ate breakfast in the dining car, and we met really cool people on the train! Our waitress gave our little one the cutest wolf paper pad for her birthday; that was so sweet!
I'm not sure what was the biggest highlight of the train trip...the 7 1/2 mile tunnel (longest in the US), which our little one decided the lights were "tunnel fairies" or that it was a blizzard on top of Stevens Pass!
It was just an all-around super fun day!
When I talked to my son, who is twenty, on Mother's Day, I told him what I had planned as far as the birthday trip to Seattle on the train.
You see, I did the same for him when he was a wee little tyke. And, it turns out it was his 7th birthday, too!! How crazy is that!?!
He told me that his train birthday to Seattle was one of his all-time favorite birthdays, one of his best memories!!
Like I said, I LOVE SURPRISES!
