It was a good day, and virtually stress free! I got up, got the turkey in the oven, and got my workout done. Tyler was sweet enough to wake up in time to babysit while I did my workout and took my shower.
Jeff was up and dressed before Scott & Amanda arrived. Amanda ran around with Tommy while I got dinner made. My grandpa stopped by for about an hour, before taking dinner w/him to share at home with a friend. My mom and Daymon showed up just in time for dinner.
I made most of dinner, but Amanda brought green bean casserole, and Tyler made the biscuits. That was probably the most time-consuming part of dinner. We made butter from cream (everybody had a hand in that, it's so time consuming) and then we used the left-over buttermilk in the biscuits. It was fun to have Tyler's fresh, hot biscuits smothered with our homemade butter!
It was a fairly simple meal: turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, candied yams, green bean casserole, mixed veggies, and pumpkin pie.
It was all ready to eat just as the game was starting. So I announced that I was going to sit down and watch the game and let somebody else dish up and serve me. I then poured myself a glass of wine that my grandpa brought over, and tried to stay out of the kitchen. Well, I mostly stayed out of the kitchen. Mom brought me my plate, thanks, Mom!
We watched Dallas trounce Seattle, then spent a few hours playing Rock Band. I think everybody had a good time. We all took turns, and I ended up playing every role at one time or another. It was fun. I told Melissa that everybody except Mom and Tommy played, but Tyler reminded me that Tommy had sat on his Daddy's lap and played the drums. Hmmm, I guess only Mom didn't play.
Mom did help clean up the kitchen. It's nice that I don't have to worry about that. The dishwasher is running for the 2nd time, and I know the boys will empty it in the morning.
Jeff doesn't go back to work until Monday. That's a first for us. He usually has to work the day after Thanksgiving, and the Saturday after to make up for the holiday. Instead, he gets to go hunting with Scott in the morning. Good luck, guys!
Well, that's all for now. We'll probably see Melissa and Geoff sometime tomorrow. If not, we'll get together Saturday. I want to go to JoAnn's to buy a pattern for a potential Christmas present....can't say more here, the kids read my blog sometimes.
Good Night!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Night Before Thanksgiving
I can hardly believe it, but I am feeling no stress! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, we're having dinner at my house, and I am not the least bit worried about any of it: not about the condition of the house, not about the food, not about the people. What a freeing feeling!
I told my boys I would blog tonight to tell the world what a blessing they are to me. They have been incredibly helpful this week...I'm not sure what's gotten into them. Maybe Jeff's reminders that they need to do what I ask them to do when I ask it, not later. However, that doesn't explain Travis loading the dishwasher while I was gone yesterday morning. At any rate, I am appreciating their wonderfulness very much.
We were talking about making a thankfulness tree, and writing what we are thankful for on the leaves. My boys....Travis instantly said "family" and Tyler said "what the Lord has done for us." I think they are on the right path.
Tommy got a special treat this evening, he got to walk through the grocery store instead of riding in the cart. Travis was his escort, and I'm not sure who enjoyed it more. I was very impressed with Mr. Thomas when we got home. I took him out of his car seat and he headed straight for the front door. It's a good milestone, when they don't need you to carry them or hold their hand every second.
So, it's getting late and I have an early morning. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and that you have plenty to be thankful for. Personally, I'm thankful for a loving, supportive family; kind, generous friends; a caring church home; a good social circle for the whole family; the roof over my head; the food in my pantry and freezer; the van in my driveway; and most of all a Heavenly Father who is loving, forgiving, and patient with us humans.
Good Night All!
I told my boys I would blog tonight to tell the world what a blessing they are to me. They have been incredibly helpful this week...I'm not sure what's gotten into them. Maybe Jeff's reminders that they need to do what I ask them to do when I ask it, not later. However, that doesn't explain Travis loading the dishwasher while I was gone yesterday morning. At any rate, I am appreciating their wonderfulness very much.
We were talking about making a thankfulness tree, and writing what we are thankful for on the leaves. My boys....Travis instantly said "family" and Tyler said "what the Lord has done for us." I think they are on the right path.
Tommy got a special treat this evening, he got to walk through the grocery store instead of riding in the cart. Travis was his escort, and I'm not sure who enjoyed it more. I was very impressed with Mr. Thomas when we got home. I took him out of his car seat and he headed straight for the front door. It's a good milestone, when they don't need you to carry them or hold their hand every second.
So, it's getting late and I have an early morning. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and that you have plenty to be thankful for. Personally, I'm thankful for a loving, supportive family; kind, generous friends; a caring church home; a good social circle for the whole family; the roof over my head; the food in my pantry and freezer; the van in my driveway; and most of all a Heavenly Father who is loving, forgiving, and patient with us humans.
Good Night All!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Time Flies…
Wow! Where does the time go? I can't believe it's been so long since I logged on to my computer. I have to catch up on everybody else's blogs.
So, the kids and I were sick last week. We still have a terribly cough that just won't go away. Somebody advised me to rub Vick's Vapor Rub on our feet and then put our socks on before going to bed. It worked! I finally got a decent night's sleep when I tried that, instead of waking up coughing every 15 minutes or so. I don't think I even turned my computer on last week. When I did finally check my e-mail on Friday, I had over 500 messages! Yikes! Then I didn't check it again until today, and I had over 100 more. I may have to unsubscribe to my homeschool group if people are going to continue to be super chatty.
We made it out to Costco on Saturday. Yay! I really wanted to get some Johnny's Garlic Spread, and I can't find it anywhere else. I also really like their pumpkin pies. That was a busy day. Travis and I headed out first thing in the morning for a decorating/work party at the church. Our mission: to help decorate 6 bulletin boards throughout the church. We both had a good time. Travis was a huge help, hauling stuff to the far ends of the church and up the stairs, some of it was heavy stuff too. He basically took all of the supplies to the various bulletin boards. He then helped to put the borders up on a couple of them. I was assigned the bulletin board near the church nursery. I was handed directions and supplies to make a 3-D angel on the board out of gold wrapping paper and aluminum foil. I think it turned out pretty good. I'll try to remember to get a picture of it. While I was finishing the bulletin board, Travis played pool. He first faced off against a church elder, then against a lovely young lady from the church.
The fellowship hall was set up for the congregational Thanksgiving dinner, and I couldn't help feeling a sense of belonging as we walked through there, knowing I helped to get that set up. Travis was feeling it too, because he said something about having set out the salt and pepper shakers.
On our way home we swung by Lowe's and picked up the kids' project for Tyler. I wasn't able to take him down there, and he wasn't feeling well anyway. I got home and started to make dinner and do the housework. My mother-in-law came over, and shortly after she left my sister-in-law came over. After she left, my mother came over, she watched the kiddies for us while we went shopping.
On Sunday we went to church and the Thanksgiving dinner. That was fun. We sat on the pews along the walls where Travis has set out the individual tray tables for overflow seating. That fellowship hall was packed! But that was the point. After we got home I turned on the game and fell asleep before the Seahawks finished losing.
Monday was Scout day. Only 2 out of 5 of our Bear Den showed up, 2 were home sick and 1 is in Idaho visiting relatives for the holiday. We couldn't really do our skit with only two boys, but the Webelos were very helpful and quickly learned the skit. Tyler ended up having the punch line, which pleased him. I had originally told him he couldn't do it, and assigned it to one of our absent scouts…I can't have Tyler in the lead role every month, no matter how much he wants it. However, under the circumstances Tyler was the only scout who knew the joke and the role, so he got to do it.
They boys got their popcorn selling prizes last night. Travis earned a survival kit—two pocket tools: one with a knife, spoon, and fork; the other with everything else (corkscrew, knives, screwdrivers, etc…). Tyler got a Wal*Mart gift card.
After Scouts, Melissa and Geoff came over. Yay!!!! Yay!!! Yay!! Yay! Wow! She looks great! I am very impressed and very happy for her. Geoff watched wrestling with Travis while Melissa and I chatted in the kitchen. The boys had been chomping at the bit, waiting for them to show up. I had to convince them that we don't need to squeeze everything into the first hour, or even the first day. They wanted to tell our guests everything, show them everything, I thought they would burst! Today they were antsy waiting for M & G to come back, but I think I have finally convinced the boys that they will have plenty of time to spend together and to just relax for awhile. Obviously, Melissa and Geoff are important people to my guys.
I am pleased to report that I have gotten my work-out in almost every day, and have walked at least a mile every day. Travis is a good one for reminding me to walk. He likes to get out for the exercise and the fresh air; he also likes to buy chips at the store that is .6 miles away from our house. I registered a loss at my meeting this week. Cool! I also have a non-scale victory of having dropped a pant size. Cool, cool!
Well, that's all the time I have for now. Don't know when I'll be back. Hope you all are doing well, you're in my prayers! Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Coincidence
Read Rainbow's post today?
I kid you not, I opened up the new file posted to my home school group today, and the very first thing on the page is this:
Taco Soup
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 14 oz. can tomato sauce
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes w/green chilies
1 4 oz. can chopped green chilies
2 cans corn
2 cans dark kidney beans
1 pkg. taco seasoning
Toppings (not included in nutrition info):
Frito chips
Fat-Free Cheese
Fat-Free Sour Cream
Directions
Brown ground beef over medium heat.
While cooking beef, simmer the following items on low heat in a large pot: tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, kidney beans, and taco seasoning.
Add beef. Bring to boil, and then simmer for 15 more minutes.
Serve and enjoy. Garnish with chips, cheese, and sour cream!
Not exactly the same recipe, but pretty darn close!
I kid you not, I opened up the new file posted to my home school group today, and the very first thing on the page is this:
Taco Soup
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 14 oz. can tomato sauce
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes w/green chilies
1 4 oz. can chopped green chilies
2 cans corn
2 cans dark kidney beans
1 pkg. taco seasoning
Toppings (not included in nutrition info):
Frito chips
Fat-Free Cheese
Fat-Free Sour Cream
Directions
Brown ground beef over medium heat.
While cooking beef, simmer the following items on low heat in a large pot: tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, kidney beans, and taco seasoning.
Add beef. Bring to boil, and then simmer for 15 more minutes.
Serve and enjoy. Garnish with chips, cheese, and sour cream!
Not exactly the same recipe, but pretty darn close!
Time to Breathe
I have nothing scheduled for the next few days, provided Jeff goes on the field trip with Travis on Saturday. The next place I am "expected" to show up is church on Sunday morning. What a glorious feeling!
I told my boys that they cannot go spend the night anywhere, nor can they have friends spend the night at our place, until I can park in the garage again. I am hoping that will give them some incentive to either help me in the garage or help me by watching Tommy.
The Veteran's Home visit today went well. We sang the songs, passed out the cards, said our thank yous, and shook some hands. Most people there seemed pleased to have us come, many people said they used to be scouts or den leaders.
I had Travis wear his uniform too, and he didn't even question it...until another Boy Scout showed up not wearing his uniform. The other boy argued that it wasn't a Boy Scout outing, it was a Cub Scout outing. However, a third Boy Scout showed up in uniform, and the general consensus was that it was a BSA outing, so any member of the BSA should have been in uniform. Who says boys don't have their share of drama?
We had to go straight to the church from there, so I got a few comments about being in uniform. Most of the comments were positive, so that's a good thing. Travis had thought ahead, and was wearing his church T-shirt under his uniform, so he left his uniform shirt in the van.
I am once again up an hour past my bedtime, and am supposed to be meeting someone to work out at 7:00 a.m. Before I sign off, I will answer the clothing question. Because everything I tried to order was out of stock until just before the day of the dinner, I had to wear something I already own. I ended up wearing the pink shirt that I wore to Tommy's birthday, over a black sleeveless turtleneck and black slacks. The overall effect reminded me of I Love Lucy maternity wear. Maybe I'll still be able to order an outfit or too, now that they're back in stock. Que Sera Sera.
Good Night.
I told my boys that they cannot go spend the night anywhere, nor can they have friends spend the night at our place, until I can park in the garage again. I am hoping that will give them some incentive to either help me in the garage or help me by watching Tommy.
The Veteran's Home visit today went well. We sang the songs, passed out the cards, said our thank yous, and shook some hands. Most people there seemed pleased to have us come, many people said they used to be scouts or den leaders.
I had Travis wear his uniform too, and he didn't even question it...until another Boy Scout showed up not wearing his uniform. The other boy argued that it wasn't a Boy Scout outing, it was a Cub Scout outing. However, a third Boy Scout showed up in uniform, and the general consensus was that it was a BSA outing, so any member of the BSA should have been in uniform. Who says boys don't have their share of drama?
We had to go straight to the church from there, so I got a few comments about being in uniform. Most of the comments were positive, so that's a good thing. Travis had thought ahead, and was wearing his church T-shirt under his uniform, so he left his uniform shirt in the van.
I am once again up an hour past my bedtime, and am supposed to be meeting someone to work out at 7:00 a.m. Before I sign off, I will answer the clothing question. Because everything I tried to order was out of stock until just before the day of the dinner, I had to wear something I already own. I ended up wearing the pink shirt that I wore to Tommy's birthday, over a black sleeveless turtleneck and black slacks. The overall effect reminded me of I Love Lucy maternity wear. Maybe I'll still be able to order an outfit or too, now that they're back in stock. Que Sera Sera.
Good Night.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Is it Monday again?
Nothing new in this: I am worn out!
Saturday got away from me. I had intended to go shopping first thing in the morning, but Tommy was being fussy and Jeff was sleeping, then it was almost time for Tyler to get home. When Des dropped Tyler off, she stayed to visit for awhile, and the next thing I knew it was 1:30 in the afternoon!
I hurriedly frosted the cupcakes, and then went through several different outfits, before settling on the least worst one. All my nice clothes are too big for me! Jeff did not look approving when I voted for just wearing my jeans and a sweatshirt.
We left by 3:30 (I think) to catch the chartered bus with Jeff's Tacoma co-workers. I bought Tyler a pocketknife with his name on it in the gift shop. The dinner was nice, but we did hit some rolling waves a few times. It may have been ferry wake. We played some blackjack with the script (fake money) they gave us, and bought the maximum allowed raffle tickets with our winnings. Surprise! I won a new digital camera with about a million different features that I need to play with and figure out. Then we all caught the bus back to Tacoma and came home.
We still didn't have Tyler's birthday present, so we had to find a place open in the middle of the night where we could get a gift for a 9 year old boy. Jeff insisted we needed to get a spark plug for Tyler's dirt bike (it was Tyler's 2nd favorite gift). We also got that Veggie Tales movie, and stopped to by cherry sours for the cupcakes.
I think we were ready to fall into bed by 3:30, only to have to get back up at 8:00 to get ready for Sunday. Breakfast and coffee had to be made, the gifts wrapped, and the party favors, balloons, and cupcakes had to go out to the van. Jeff got to sleep until 9:20, lucky him. I was grumpy!!!! But, we all made it out the door in time for church.
Tyler was very happy to be singled out with his buddy, Joshua, and sung to by the entire congregation. Then there was cake during the coffee time after services. In the parking lot, Tyler opened his present from Grandpa. He was so thrilled!!!
Then we went to Kart Trax for 6 hours. Yes, 6 hours. But all the kids seemed to have a really good time. I do have pictures to post at a later date.
Within 5 minutes of arriving at home Scott, Amanda, and Josh turned up. Scott & Jeff helped Tyler get his bow set up and went over some serious weapons rules with him. Thank you, men, for reinforcing all that. Amanda helped me out and gave Tommy his bath. By the time they left, I was ready to collapse.
Today Tyler went shopping with my mom to spend all his birthday money. He came home with a toy gun (no surprise) and a really cool target for shooting at with his bow. This meant we had to go shoot his bow.
Scouts tonight, responsibilities to both groups...got through it though. Deep breath. Grocery shopping tomorrow and maybe talking to my friends. Oh, and school, of course. We're still working on citizenship. Today the boys made some nice cards to hand out to the veterans on Wednesday. Travis is really starting to get into some of this stuff.
We have a science project to finish also, so I can do away with our moldy pumpkins. Yuck!
I'll post pics when I get a chance. It looks like Wednesday might be my last busy day this week, if Jeff will go on the field trip Saturday. Fingers crossed.
Good night all!
Saturday got away from me. I had intended to go shopping first thing in the morning, but Tommy was being fussy and Jeff was sleeping, then it was almost time for Tyler to get home. When Des dropped Tyler off, she stayed to visit for awhile, and the next thing I knew it was 1:30 in the afternoon!
I hurriedly frosted the cupcakes, and then went through several different outfits, before settling on the least worst one. All my nice clothes are too big for me! Jeff did not look approving when I voted for just wearing my jeans and a sweatshirt.
We left by 3:30 (I think) to catch the chartered bus with Jeff's Tacoma co-workers. I bought Tyler a pocketknife with his name on it in the gift shop. The dinner was nice, but we did hit some rolling waves a few times. It may have been ferry wake. We played some blackjack with the script (fake money) they gave us, and bought the maximum allowed raffle tickets with our winnings. Surprise! I won a new digital camera with about a million different features that I need to play with and figure out. Then we all caught the bus back to Tacoma and came home.
We still didn't have Tyler's birthday present, so we had to find a place open in the middle of the night where we could get a gift for a 9 year old boy. Jeff insisted we needed to get a spark plug for Tyler's dirt bike (it was Tyler's 2nd favorite gift). We also got that Veggie Tales movie, and stopped to by cherry sours for the cupcakes.
I think we were ready to fall into bed by 3:30, only to have to get back up at 8:00 to get ready for Sunday. Breakfast and coffee had to be made, the gifts wrapped, and the party favors, balloons, and cupcakes had to go out to the van. Jeff got to sleep until 9:20, lucky him. I was grumpy!!!! But, we all made it out the door in time for church.
Tyler was very happy to be singled out with his buddy, Joshua, and sung to by the entire congregation. Then there was cake during the coffee time after services. In the parking lot, Tyler opened his present from Grandpa. He was so thrilled!!!
Then we went to Kart Trax for 6 hours. Yes, 6 hours. But all the kids seemed to have a really good time. I do have pictures to post at a later date.
Within 5 minutes of arriving at home Scott, Amanda, and Josh turned up. Scott & Jeff helped Tyler get his bow set up and went over some serious weapons rules with him. Thank you, men, for reinforcing all that. Amanda helped me out and gave Tommy his bath. By the time they left, I was ready to collapse.
Today Tyler went shopping with my mom to spend all his birthday money. He came home with a toy gun (no surprise) and a really cool target for shooting at with his bow. This meant we had to go shoot his bow.
Scouts tonight, responsibilities to both groups...got through it though. Deep breath. Grocery shopping tomorrow and maybe talking to my friends. Oh, and school, of course. We're still working on citizenship. Today the boys made some nice cards to hand out to the veterans on Wednesday. Travis is really starting to get into some of this stuff.
We have a science project to finish also, so I can do away with our moldy pumpkins. Yuck!
I'll post pics when I get a chance. It looks like Wednesday might be my last busy day this week, if Jeff will go on the field trip Saturday. Fingers crossed.
Good night all!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Where Does The Time Go?
Time is just zipping by, it's crazy! On Sunday, Tyler will be 9 years old! 9! Can you believe it?
Alissa, Vian, and Stephanie came over this morning to stuff goodie bags for the party. Have I mentioned we're having a 3-person birthday party at the Go Kart place on Sunday? Well, anyway, we went shopping for party favors, plates, etc… last month and split the cost. Now we're splitting up duties. Vian will be bringing pizza. Alissa will be bringing cakes to the church and balloons to the party. I will be bringing cupcakes to the party. Then we are each paying for our guests, which breaks down to 5-6 kids each. It's a good way to get the party rate, which we couldn't have gotten separately.
Tyler doesn't know this yet, but my grandpa bought him the bow he's been wanting so desperately; the bow that he tried to sell $1100 worth of popcorn to earn…but only sold over $600. He'll be thrilled. I'm thinking about getting him the Veggie Tales Pirates movie…he said he liked that. I haven't decided yet, and still need to talk to Jeff about it.
I have 5 dozen cupcakes to bake tonight, and to decorate tomorrow morning. Fortunately, decorating will be simple, a swirl of frosting, some sprinkles, and a cherry sour. Tyler was going to help me with that part, but he's gone off to spend the night at his friend's house. His twitch returned as soon as the plans were finalized. Odd. It made an appearance when they went to hockey night a couple weeks back too. My friend is starting to feel like it's her or her family that causes it, but I don't think it's personal. I think it's being with people other than us. It just happens that they are the only other family he spends much time with without me. I remember the twitch during children's church, so I think it's unknown or new circumstances.
Tomorrow evening is Jeff's yearly company dinner thing…We have to leave for that before 4 and won't be home until after 11.
Well, I guess I should stop messing around and get to those cupcakes. I hope all is going well with everybody.
Until next time….
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
WOW!
The children are nestled all snug in their beds....it's amazing!
We had a good day today. We studied some American History, and some government...go figure.
While we were walking, Travis and I had a discussion about the presidential election: what an historic event this is and how much race may have influenced the outcome. I wanted him to understand that I think people voting for Obama just because he's black is racism, and every bit as bad as not voting for him just because he's black. I wanted Travis to know that it's the moral character of a person, what they believe in and what they stand for that is really important.
I wasn't sure I was getting my point across the way I wanted to, until Travis made his own observation. He basically said if both candidates had been black then we would know that people had voted for the best man and not the "black" man. Okay, he shut me up....I knew he understood what I was saying, lesson over. He may have learned two lessons, the 2nd one being the surest way to end a lecture is to show me you already know what I want you to know. That boy makes me proud.
Travis has been very chatty lately, but that's a good thing. I want him to tell me what he read in youth group and what the kids are saying. He seems to be in a good place emotionally right now, and with these tumultuous hormonal years times like this are a blessing.
Tyler made his "Be a Good Citizen Poster" for Scouts this afternoon. He's working on his Citizenship belt loop and pin. He needs to make a collage about America next. This is part of why we were learning about American History.
I can't believe how much I love watching them be artistic. Travis has been writing stories. They are pretty typical for boy his age: aliens, war, friends being weird.
Poor baby Tommy. He seemed very confused tonight, as Travis and I sat together reading and talking. Tommy was very demanding for attention, not understanding that it was Travis time. It got worse when Travis left for a snack and Tyler jumped in his place. Then Tommy didn't know if he should try to get my attention, or Travis's. He was going back and forth between us. He is really growing up too quickly.
I'm tired, so off to bed. Good Night!
We had a good day today. We studied some American History, and some government...go figure.
While we were walking, Travis and I had a discussion about the presidential election: what an historic event this is and how much race may have influenced the outcome. I wanted him to understand that I think people voting for Obama just because he's black is racism, and every bit as bad as not voting for him just because he's black. I wanted Travis to know that it's the moral character of a person, what they believe in and what they stand for that is really important.
I wasn't sure I was getting my point across the way I wanted to, until Travis made his own observation. He basically said if both candidates had been black then we would know that people had voted for the best man and not the "black" man. Okay, he shut me up....I knew he understood what I was saying, lesson over. He may have learned two lessons, the 2nd one being the surest way to end a lecture is to show me you already know what I want you to know. That boy makes me proud.
Travis has been very chatty lately, but that's a good thing. I want him to tell me what he read in youth group and what the kids are saying. He seems to be in a good place emotionally right now, and with these tumultuous hormonal years times like this are a blessing.
Tyler made his "Be a Good Citizen Poster" for Scouts this afternoon. He's working on his Citizenship belt loop and pin. He needs to make a collage about America next. This is part of why we were learning about American History.
I can't believe how much I love watching them be artistic. Travis has been writing stories. They are pretty typical for boy his age: aliens, war, friends being weird.
Poor baby Tommy. He seemed very confused tonight, as Travis and I sat together reading and talking. Tommy was very demanding for attention, not understanding that it was Travis time. It got worse when Travis left for a snack and Tyler jumped in his place. Then Tommy didn't know if he should try to get my attention, or Travis's. He was going back and forth between us. He is really growing up too quickly.
I'm tired, so off to bed. Good Night!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
TOPS Tuesday
I made it through Halloween and still managed to register a weight loss this past week! Hooray! Now I have to wonder how things would have gone without the cupcakes, candy, pumpkin pie, and drumstick ice creams. Oh the holidays!
Not much to report today. I hope you all are doing well.
Congratulations to Barack Obama, our new president elect.
Not much to report today. I hope you all are doing well.
Congratulations to Barack Obama, our new president elect.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Scouting Monday
I made it through another Monday. I am officially a drop-off parent for Travis when it comes to Scouting. I haven't even talked to his leader recently. Travis is getting better about relaying information. Tonight he gave me the details on their REI outing scheduled for the 15th, yay Travis!
However, over at the Cub Scout side of things I have too much to do. I thought getting there 1/2 hour early would give me time to set up my room and do some paperwork. Not a chance! We are going to have to put a limit on just how early the drop-off parents drop off their kids. 20 minutes before our official start time we had 15 boys running around, and being the only adult in uniform I got elected to round them up and entertain them. So much for getting my room set up. That made getting through our den meeting challenging.
We stayed busy from beginning to end, and we were late getting back to closing. Oops! Oh well. This month we are working on a service project as a pack and we are working on earning a belt loop as a den. Our pack will be visiting the veteran's home on Wednesday the 12th. We're taking cards that the boys are making, and they will be singing 4 songs.
While I'm thinking about it--Geoff, do you read my blog????? I want to work with my den to earn the Language and Culture belt loop next month. I would love to have a guest speaker come in to answer a few questions about living in a different country, and also to help them complete a requirement in their Bear books: talk to somebody who was a Cub Scout a long time ago about what Scouting was like (uniform, activities, etc...)
1. Talk with someone who grew up in a different country than you did. Find out what it was like and how it is different from your experience.
2. Learn 10 words that are in a different language than your own.
3. Play two games that originated in another country or culture.
Any ideas of games from another country or culture?
Well, I had better be headed for bed. Tomorrow is another busy day.
Thanks, Mom, for babysitting. See you Thursday!
However, over at the Cub Scout side of things I have too much to do. I thought getting there 1/2 hour early would give me time to set up my room and do some paperwork. Not a chance! We are going to have to put a limit on just how early the drop-off parents drop off their kids. 20 minutes before our official start time we had 15 boys running around, and being the only adult in uniform I got elected to round them up and entertain them. So much for getting my room set up. That made getting through our den meeting challenging.
We stayed busy from beginning to end, and we were late getting back to closing. Oops! Oh well. This month we are working on a service project as a pack and we are working on earning a belt loop as a den. Our pack will be visiting the veteran's home on Wednesday the 12th. We're taking cards that the boys are making, and they will be singing 4 songs.
While I'm thinking about it--Geoff, do you read my blog????? I want to work with my den to earn the Language and Culture belt loop next month. I would love to have a guest speaker come in to answer a few questions about living in a different country, and also to help them complete a requirement in their Bear books: talk to somebody who was a Cub Scout a long time ago about what Scouting was like (uniform, activities, etc...)
1. Talk with someone who grew up in a different country than you did. Find out what it was like and how it is different from your experience.
2. Learn 10 words that are in a different language than your own.
3. Play two games that originated in another country or culture.
Any ideas of games from another country or culture?
Well, I had better be headed for bed. Tomorrow is another busy day.
Thanks, Mom, for babysitting. See you Thursday!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Creative Day
I may actually get to sleep by midnight, maybe.
I was good and got my workout in this morning, making yesterday the only day I skipped it. Maybe that will help counteract the Halloween candy...
I picked up Amanda this morning and took her to the fabric store. I taught her how to buy fabric and ribbon and lace. Then we went to the other craft store so I could pick up some stuff for the Barbie furniture and we went to the dollar store. Silverdale traffic was crazy! No wonder I usually avoid that town on the weekends.
We stopped off at the grocery store on the way home, and I was thinking this time....bought enough dinner for everybody for 2 days, and enough for just our household for the rest of the week. Glad that's over with.
Amanda did a good job of putting her albums together. She really didn't need much help. She mostly just needed somebody to tell her she was doing it right, and to give her a few little pointers. She finished one, and mostly finished the other one. It's drying on my dining room table right now.
I was thinking earlier how nice it was to have the cupcakes in the fridge, glitter on the couch, and 3 different craft projects going in the dining room.
It was nice talking to Rainbow this afternoon. I told everybody that we could have talked for a couple hours. We really need to live closer so we can have coffee afternoons.
Okay, I hear Tommy saying it's bedtime. Good night.
I was good and got my workout in this morning, making yesterday the only day I skipped it. Maybe that will help counteract the Halloween candy...
I picked up Amanda this morning and took her to the fabric store. I taught her how to buy fabric and ribbon and lace. Then we went to the other craft store so I could pick up some stuff for the Barbie furniture and we went to the dollar store. Silverdale traffic was crazy! No wonder I usually avoid that town on the weekends.
We stopped off at the grocery store on the way home, and I was thinking this time....bought enough dinner for everybody for 2 days, and enough for just our household for the rest of the week. Glad that's over with.
Amanda did a good job of putting her albums together. She really didn't need much help. She mostly just needed somebody to tell her she was doing it right, and to give her a few little pointers. She finished one, and mostly finished the other one. It's drying on my dining room table right now.
I was thinking earlier how nice it was to have the cupcakes in the fridge, glitter on the couch, and 3 different craft projects going in the dining room.
It was nice talking to Rainbow this afternoon. I told everybody that we could have talked for a couple hours. We really need to live closer so we can have coffee afternoons.
Okay, I hear Tommy saying it's bedtime. Good night.
Halloween
Whew! What a day! We have been busy almost all day.
These we kept, aren't they cute?
Rock On!
Tyler and I started this morning by decorating the cupcakes for the church, which I forgot to take a picture of. Bummer. Then we moved into decorating pictures for some friends and for ourselves. That was fun, and I think they turned out so cool! It was worth driving all over town trying to find the right candies for them. We'll have to make these again.
Travis working on cupcakes
These we kept, aren't they cute?
When the cupcakes were finished, it was time to get everybody into their costumes so we could be ready to leave the house a little after 2:00. We took pictures, said goodbye to Jeff, and were off.
Rock On!
We dropped off cupcakes to our friends, picked up Mom, and headed to Silverdale to get Josh. Scott painted up the boys, and we left for the church.
Cupcakes for our Friends
We dropped the cupcakes off at church, then went to Grandpa's house to change Tommy's diaper and kill the half hour before Fest-A-Fall started. We spent three hours at Fest-A-Fall, but I think all the kids had fun. I forgot to take the camera in with me, oh well!
Tommy was into everything for awhile. It's a good thing he's well-loved there. He pulled all the footprints off the floor at the cake walk, several times. Then he decided to go across the way and help Mrs. James with her booth. She was picking up the little Velcro balls and putting them in a bowl. He helped by taking them back out and scattering them around, with intent. I watched him look for empty places on the floor to toss them: some in front of him, some behind him, some off to the side. It was funny.
Tyler had fun throwing darts at balloons, and playing mini-golf. I think he had fun doing everything else too, but those seemed to be his favorite. Travis and Josh mostly hung out with the rest of the youth group.
On the way home we stopped and bought pumpkins, because we hadn't done that part of Halloween. Tyler is becoming so independent, and artistic. He did his jack-o-lantern from start to finish with no help at all. He gutted it, carved it, put a candle in it, took it outside, and lit it up. Good Job, Tyler!
More bragging time for Ty: he is very proud that he earned his Whittling Chip this week, allowing him to carry a pocketknife, and he has been making use of his art set every day since he got it. Yay Tyler!
Alright, it's 1:00 a.m. and the kids are sleeping. Time for bed. I hope everybody is doing well. Good Night!
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