Well tonight for our family activity for family home evening we were playing "Sister may I" our version of "Mother May I", but Whitney has bronchitis and was laying on the couch and was the sister. We start at the top of the stairs, have to go through the kitchen and hallway and to the couch- whoever gets there first wins. After 1 0r 2 of us had taken a turn, Andrew asked "sister may I give you a dollar?" Naturally she said yes - Andrew was down the steps yelling "cheat code, cheat code" went through the kitchen, stopped off in his bedroom for a dollar, through the hall and gave Whitney a dollar. He was mighty pleased with his "cheat code". We didn't let Whitney keep the dollar, but did let Andrew use the cheat code to get out of playing the rest of the game- which included Dad doing ballerina twirls, and Mom crawling like a turtle. My kids are funny.
And so it goes...
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
No Baptist Church Here! ( No offense!)
When I was growing up I remember often pulling into the driveway and my Dad saying it looked like our house was a Baptist church- now I don't know why ( I don't think I've ever attended a Baptist church), but that meant that we had lots of lights on. (Do they have lots of lights??) The saying has stuck and I've thought it myself a few times- but no more at the Ashead house!! A month or so ago I was talking to my sister and was amazed when she mentioned how little her electric bill was- about $100 less than ours! How could that be??? Yes her house is a little smaller, and there is 3 people there instead of our 5, but that seemed to be such a huge difference that it was time to see what we could do about our electric bill. So Richard and I did some research and then talked to the kids. It seemed like a big $ waster was leaving our computers on when they weren't being used, knowing that someone would want to use them sometime- so that has definitley decreased, also sometimes the kids would leave their lights on when they left for school but I wouldn't know it because their doors were shut. Anyhow- we tried to get everyone on board to TURN OFF THOSE LIGHTS! and such- and the amazing happy result- we just got our bill and it is over $50 less than the previous month. Next bill we're waiting for- water. We put in a low flow shower head- what will the savings be???
And so it goes...
And so it goes...
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Feb.8, 2009
Things going on:
1. Started back to college- stress! It's a busy, intense semester. One foot in front of the other right?
2. Jayna has started piano lessons. She's taking them from a friend from church who is also the primary president. She seems way interested in them and has been diligent about practicing. We told her she could take them for a month, but would then have to decide whether to keep taking them or keep taking gymnastics, but we can only pay for one right now.
3. Andrew and Whitney are both preparing to be in the school musical this year. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
4. Enjoyed taking Whitney shopping at Old Navy the other day, then she went to the grocery store with me for a bit. I don't always get so much one on one time with the kids, and this was nice. She had earned $20 from a good report card and did some thrifty shopping- got 2 shirts that were marked down for $4.99 each and jeans on sale too. She likes certain things, but has also learned to look for the good deals too. It was just a nice time together. The kids are growing up so fast.
5. Had some nice family time yesterday and played a game after dinner with everyone- Family Fun Cranium. It's so nice when we can all enjoy some time together. I've been a bit of a bear lately because of a lot of stress- always nice to relax!
6. Alright, sounds a bit dry , but that's all for today. And so it goes...
1. Started back to college- stress! It's a busy, intense semester. One foot in front of the other right?
2. Jayna has started piano lessons. She's taking them from a friend from church who is also the primary president. She seems way interested in them and has been diligent about practicing. We told her she could take them for a month, but would then have to decide whether to keep taking them or keep taking gymnastics, but we can only pay for one right now.
3. Andrew and Whitney are both preparing to be in the school musical this year. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
4. Enjoyed taking Whitney shopping at Old Navy the other day, then she went to the grocery store with me for a bit. I don't always get so much one on one time with the kids, and this was nice. She had earned $20 from a good report card and did some thrifty shopping- got 2 shirts that were marked down for $4.99 each and jeans on sale too. She likes certain things, but has also learned to look for the good deals too. It was just a nice time together. The kids are growing up so fast.
5. Had some nice family time yesterday and played a game after dinner with everyone- Family Fun Cranium. It's so nice when we can all enjoy some time together. I've been a bit of a bear lately because of a lot of stress- always nice to relax!
6. Alright, sounds a bit dry , but that's all for today. And so it goes...
Friday, January 16, 2009
Relaxing day and preparing for the next semester
I start classes again next Tuesday, Monday we are all off for Martin Luther King day. Richard had the day off today, so it was kind of a nice relaxing day before the rush of classes, homework and tight schedules start again. We went out to lunch at Olive Garden. It was so delicious- we did the soup, salad, breadsticks deal and shared a dessert. The chicken gnocci soup was great.
I'm a little nervous about how next semester will work out. Fall semester I had some days when I'd be home by noon and could get some stuff done before the kids got home. This time the earliest my classes are done is 2:10, letting me get home just about when Jayna will be getting home. I'm going to have to be a lot more prepared and take advantage of the time I have between classes at school. For a class over winter break I had to spend 30 hours onsite somewhere that is not a traditional OT setting. I went to Amherst Adult Day Services which provides supervision and activities to mentally or physically impaired adults or those who may need socialization. It was a good experience and got me even more excited for the field I'm entering.
Reading now: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
To love what is: a marriage transformed by Alix Kates Shulman- this is a great ture book, it is about how a very independent woman becomes caregiver to her husband who has an accident and suffers brain injury. It's interesting because it relates a bit to me as I observe my own dad with dementia and my mom caring for him, but also as someone interested in Occupational Therapy. Also, to me the title of the book can be key to so much more, - to accept and love what is- even if it's not what you had planned. Another thing I appreciate is the fact that the author is so much different than me- atheist, strong feminist, adventurer, but I can really appreciate her in this book and I think that is something always to remember- we don't have to agree with or be like someone to learn from them.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
And so it goes...
I'm a little nervous about how next semester will work out. Fall semester I had some days when I'd be home by noon and could get some stuff done before the kids got home. This time the earliest my classes are done is 2:10, letting me get home just about when Jayna will be getting home. I'm going to have to be a lot more prepared and take advantage of the time I have between classes at school. For a class over winter break I had to spend 30 hours onsite somewhere that is not a traditional OT setting. I went to Amherst Adult Day Services which provides supervision and activities to mentally or physically impaired adults or those who may need socialization. It was a good experience and got me even more excited for the field I'm entering.
Reading now: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
To love what is: a marriage transformed by Alix Kates Shulman- this is a great ture book, it is about how a very independent woman becomes caregiver to her husband who has an accident and suffers brain injury. It's interesting because it relates a bit to me as I observe my own dad with dementia and my mom caring for him, but also as someone interested in Occupational Therapy. Also, to me the title of the book can be key to so much more, - to accept and love what is- even if it's not what you had planned. Another thing I appreciate is the fact that the author is so much different than me- atheist, strong feminist, adventurer, but I can really appreciate her in this book and I think that is something always to remember- we don't have to agree with or be like someone to learn from them.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
And so it goes...
Snow Tubing
Tubers coming down the hill.
Richard, Andrew and Jayna with their tubes.
Whitney warming up
Andrew getting ready to ride upEvery month we plan a "family fun" activity- this month the activity that won the vote (yep, there's a process at this home!) was snow tubing. We had never gone before, it was fun to try something new. You get a tube and then ride up to the top- picking a chute (hill) to go down-various levels available, go down and then can ride back up to the top. You can go down as a big group too. My coordination made me think I was crazy to think that I could actually try skiing again someday! My first try: I fell off the tube as it was going up, then had difficulty getting off the tube at the top- there's a spot where you're suppose to get off- the man was yelling at me "bail, bail!" Then later a worker was helping Jayna and I get ready to go down together and he hit me in the mouth hitting my teeth! Anyhow it still was an overall fun experience. I was really surprised how fast even the smallest hill was. Jayna, Andrew, and Richard really loved the experience. Whitney got cold pretty fast and thought it was okay. Even the little hill made me a bit nausea, but I thought it was fun too. I always just like trying new things.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Ashead Year in Review
Happy New Year Everyone! A brief blip of our year in Review:
Richard- Lost lots of weight and is off of medication for high cholesterol and blood pressure. Bought a motorcycle and loves it.
Sue- Lost weight, truthfully I've gained some back, but am still a good bit less than last year at this time. Started college, what a huge step. Have completed my first semester in my program to become a COTA (certified occupational therapist assistant) Also loves riding the motorcycle with Richard
Andrew- Last year in the middle school, started and continues a newspaper route delivering papers on Saturday, multiple girlfriends throughout the year, musical theater, bought a drum set
Whitney- Started middle school, spent tons of time with her friends, continues gymnastics
Jayna- 1st grade and started speech- Yay- she has really progressed, joined Brownies, continues gymnastics
Muffy- remains adored by many family members
Family Vacation- visited Hershey, PA and Philadelphia ( and our friends the Janes')
And so it goes..
Richard- Lost lots of weight and is off of medication for high cholesterol and blood pressure. Bought a motorcycle and loves it.
Sue- Lost weight, truthfully I've gained some back, but am still a good bit less than last year at this time. Started college, what a huge step. Have completed my first semester in my program to become a COTA (certified occupational therapist assistant) Also loves riding the motorcycle with Richard
Andrew- Last year in the middle school, started and continues a newspaper route delivering papers on Saturday, multiple girlfriends throughout the year, musical theater, bought a drum set
Whitney- Started middle school, spent tons of time with her friends, continues gymnastics
Jayna- 1st grade and started speech- Yay- she has really progressed, joined Brownies, continues gymnastics
Muffy- remains adored by many family members
Family Vacation- visited Hershey, PA and Philadelphia ( and our friends the Janes')
And so it goes..
Friday, December 19, 2008
It's almost Christmas! And more
Hey Christmas is almost here! The kids had a snow day off from school, so their break started today, of course, if there is a day the girls wanted to go to school, it would have been today. Whitney was going to exchange gifts with her friends and Jayna was going to have a winter solstice party. Oh well. Andrew was glad to be off though. It was a mostly relaxing day. I'm glad that I got the wrapping and sorting of presents mostly done the day before.
Christmas Traditions
1. The tree- I love the fresh tree smell! Ours smelled so good when we first got it this year- it was like heaven. We often just get one at a local store, but have sometimes gone and cut one down. When we lived in the Cleveland area there was a great place to cut down trees ( they had reindeers and had safety saws for the kids!) Unfortunately we haven't found anywhere in the Buffalo area that we like near as well. Okay, Richard would be happy getting an artificial tree and skip the hassle, I've considered it , but after smelling our tree this year I just don't know that that will happen anytime soon. (Sorry honey!)
2. The presents- Usually the family home evening after Thanksgiving we pull one another's names to make a present for. The rule being you can't make for the same person two years in a row. I think it was much easier when the kids were little, especially since I'm not the crafty type. Everybody loves it when Richard pulls their name though! He's making Jayna a candy machine this year, and has made one previously for Whitney, has also made me a great cubby/hook thing that I use in the entranceway. I just can't compete. This year I'm making for Whitney. She loves to bake and make treats, so I'm making a book with a bunch of recipes in it for her, along with giving her supplies to make some of them. Hope she likes it.
3. The other presents- Mom and Dad usually buy a present for each child, SANTA does the rest (Of Course!)
4. The treats- Sugar cookies, buckeyes, and a chocolate nut cluster (like Mom's!)
5. Christmas Dinner- Well the kids eat candy all morning from their stockings- so who needs dinner? Growing up we always had an assortment of lunch meat and cheeses to make sandwiches. We pretty much do the same
6. Christmas Eve Dinner- ?? We don't really have a set tradition, but I think we'll do a late candlelight dinner, read the Christmas story...?
7. Sleeping Arrangements- The kids usually camp out in one of their rooms all together- What was I thinking when we started this? That I didn't want anyone to sleep that night????
8. When can we get up???- I think now there is some reasonable time, maybe 7? If you are up before you can hang out with a sibling and watch tv. You can not wake up another sibling!! You have to wait for everyone to be up before presents can be opened. Who are we usually waiting for??? Dad and Jayna I think
Other things-
Today was the end of the semester for me- Yipee!!!, I have a week off, then have some time I need to spend at Amherst Adult Day Services. I'll have about another week off and then off to a new semester. I'm really thankful for the opportunity I have to be back in school, but it hasn't been easy. We're managaging it though. I think it would be harder if my kids were younger. I'm feeling pretty good about the field I've chosen too, so that is good.
Jayna has a constant sore throat- the doctor has suggested she sees a specialist about getting those huge tonsils out!
Merry Christmas everyone! I love this season and wish you all lots of happiness and peace.
Just Finished- Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH- a good story, it's a kids book but enjoyable to me too.
Recommended reading for those with young kids- I've fallen in love with Jan Bret (t?) check out "Gingerbread Friends" or "Gingerbread Baby"
And so it goes!
Christmas Traditions
1. The tree- I love the fresh tree smell! Ours smelled so good when we first got it this year- it was like heaven. We often just get one at a local store, but have sometimes gone and cut one down. When we lived in the Cleveland area there was a great place to cut down trees ( they had reindeers and had safety saws for the kids!) Unfortunately we haven't found anywhere in the Buffalo area that we like near as well. Okay, Richard would be happy getting an artificial tree and skip the hassle, I've considered it , but after smelling our tree this year I just don't know that that will happen anytime soon. (Sorry honey!)
2. The presents- Usually the family home evening after Thanksgiving we pull one another's names to make a present for. The rule being you can't make for the same person two years in a row. I think it was much easier when the kids were little, especially since I'm not the crafty type. Everybody loves it when Richard pulls their name though! He's making Jayna a candy machine this year, and has made one previously for Whitney, has also made me a great cubby/hook thing that I use in the entranceway. I just can't compete. This year I'm making for Whitney. She loves to bake and make treats, so I'm making a book with a bunch of recipes in it for her, along with giving her supplies to make some of them. Hope she likes it.
3. The other presents- Mom and Dad usually buy a present for each child, SANTA does the rest (Of Course!)
4. The treats- Sugar cookies, buckeyes, and a chocolate nut cluster (like Mom's!)
5. Christmas Dinner- Well the kids eat candy all morning from their stockings- so who needs dinner? Growing up we always had an assortment of lunch meat and cheeses to make sandwiches. We pretty much do the same
6. Christmas Eve Dinner- ?? We don't really have a set tradition, but I think we'll do a late candlelight dinner, read the Christmas story...?
7. Sleeping Arrangements- The kids usually camp out in one of their rooms all together- What was I thinking when we started this? That I didn't want anyone to sleep that night????
8. When can we get up???- I think now there is some reasonable time, maybe 7? If you are up before you can hang out with a sibling and watch tv. You can not wake up another sibling!! You have to wait for everyone to be up before presents can be opened. Who are we usually waiting for??? Dad and Jayna I think
Other things-
Today was the end of the semester for me- Yipee!!!, I have a week off, then have some time I need to spend at Amherst Adult Day Services. I'll have about another week off and then off to a new semester. I'm really thankful for the opportunity I have to be back in school, but it hasn't been easy. We're managaging it though. I think it would be harder if my kids were younger. I'm feeling pretty good about the field I've chosen too, so that is good.
Jayna has a constant sore throat- the doctor has suggested she sees a specialist about getting those huge tonsils out!
Merry Christmas everyone! I love this season and wish you all lots of happiness and peace.
Just Finished- Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH- a good story, it's a kids book but enjoyable to me too.
Recommended reading for those with young kids- I've fallen in love with Jan Bret (t?) check out "Gingerbread Friends" or "Gingerbread Baby"
And so it goes!
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