Well, after starting the holiday season with a little stress (previous post), it actually turned out quite nice and not so stressful after all! I enjoyed going to the stakes Christmas concert with Jayna and also taking small presents/treats to some individuals who could use a little extra love and attention this season- one lady from the neighborhood (who talked our ears off when Jayna was selling Girl Scout cookies) and one lady from church. One of the items in one of the women's basket was just from the dollar store, but she really thought it was great, and I felt good because I knew her well enough to think it might be a good idea.Those things helped me keep the true spirit of Christmas- which is something I always try to do, but for some reason it seemed easier this year, maybe more inside me???

Here are some pictures of the kids opening presents that were made for each other. We always pull names of someone in the family to make for. This is how it turned out this year: Andrew made me yummy chocolate suckers, Whitney made Jayna a coupon book (I'll play a game with you...) and a scrapbook, Jayna made Richard a carpet rectangle with "I love Dad" on it, I made Andrew a no sew fleece blanket (Really my "making" skills are very limited), and of course Richard made a super cool gift- I call it a Fairy Light, but it's a solar powered light, that glows in the dark.

Everyone got some lovely presents and I was thrilled that Richard bought me some jammies- he had sworn off buying me clothes, but maybe he's coming around. He did a great job! And the unexpected winners?? Flarp the kids all got a canister of flarp noise putty. Being called Flarp, you can probably guess the noise that it makes. They had a fun time sitting around having "flarp contests"! Only thing, Santa should have put some in Richard's stocking too! Okay, I'm hesitant to admit it, maybe I should have gotten some too! After getting played with a ton, it didn't last more than a day, but definitely worth the $1 each! The other surprise??? My new balance ball (which I am sitting on as I write)- has provided the kids with a lot of fun and an opportunity to try some new "tricks". Will all be fun until someone busts up their head!!

Well I have finished my on campus classes- wahoo!!!Still waiting for one last grade to be posted. It feels good to be done. I'll start clinicals Jan. 4th, definitely nervous, but also looking forward to it. I'll be doing one in a rehab setting (hip replacements are big at this setting), then a pediatric setting.

Nice having some break time, I'm trying to enjoy it. Today I took the kids shopping, tomorrow Whitney and I are getting pedicures together, next day I'm taking Jayna to the aquarium, and Thursday is Andrew's birthday/New Year's Eve. Plan on some one on one time with Andrew in January, just haven't decided what yet.

Did something new for our Family fun activity this month- we went to Old Fort Niagara for a Firing of the Christmas guns and walking around the Fort and sites there. It was a nice relaxing night. I like doing our family fun activities, gives us an opportunity to try new things.

Just Read- Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - loved it, a great book, it's the 2nd book in the Hunger Games, I think I like it better than the first one even!

And so it goes...

Jayna at Splash Lagoon

Jayna and Whitney making cookies together
We haven't put the train around the Christmas tree for years, Richard did this year and did lots of work on it. It was nice! (He's cute too!)
Jayna in the snow

Andrew being goofy

Whitney at Splash Lagoon

Christmas on the mind and more

So here I am mid November with Christmas on my mind: Posing the perpetual question-how to not be so crazy as I hit this time of year. I love the story and message of Christ's birth, I'm a fan of Santa, I admire the zillion cute decorations and cards- but I don't love feeling chaotic, stressed by expectations, over budget, and unsure if I've bought the "right" gift.

Multiple dilemmas to overcome to achieve the Christmas Peace that I hope for every season. Any suggestions?

First Dilemma- I don't only have Christmas to think about, but Richard, Andrew and Jayna all have Nov. or Dec. birthdays as well. Sometimes we just buy gifts and then try to decide what is birthday, what is Christmas; I think a few times we have bought presents for Andrew after Christmas, um yeah, when there is nothing "good" left in the store. Bad idea. Jayna's birthday presents have just been wrapped- so at least this year there is no confusion over what is for what- ( although I still wonder - did we buy the "right" presents) As far as Richard goes, I really am a lost case when it comes to buying him amazing presents. But hey, I have to plead my case- I really am simple and inexpensive to buy for, and I like things that the general public would have an understanding of what the item is. My sweet hubby is a different story- what do I know he wants- a big screen tv, umm, I am a college student with 3 children- thus out of my budget- sometimes computer gear, or motorcycle equipment, but unless he sends me a link to a website, I don't really know what he wants, (oh and it will be more expensive than a bottle of lotion!)- and how fun is that just buying items he's passed on to me ??? I thought I had a great birthday idea for him, but no luck... So before I even hit Christmas with him I'm stuck working on his birthday.

Dilemma Two- Buy now and be done- or- wait for the best deals and for the kids to change their minds about what is REALLY important
So in my mind, it would be lovely to have all the shopping done by Dec. 1st. That way I could relax and enjoy the season ( okay, relax may be a stretch I have college until the 22nd or 23rd- but maybe I could be slightly less deranged)- But won't more things be going on sale- I am on a budget- should I wait and see what is the best deal????? Do you have any experience with kids??? What may be the must have item today, umm will be so last week, um next week?? Do I wait until I see what the new "must have" item is.

Holy Cow- writing this post is stressing me out!!! And it's not that my kids are totally crazy, but their Mom is somewhat. They don't get a ton of presents throughout the year- they have to buy a lot of what they get themselves- so the things they do get for Christmas, I want to be great. Then there is the other issues- do you make it fair by the number of presents each child gets, or the $ spent. Either way it can seem way off balance- one big presents to ten little ones, makes someone feel jipped I think? But if someone knows the cost of items is way different... Oh and then beyond that- the other questions- how do I make Christmas spiritual when my hubby is not into that side of it. How do I make time for special traditions when I'm going to school full time and doing everything else. How do I keep with traditions that we have done before, but now Andrew and Whitney are outgrowing, but Jayna would still like to do....

And the list goes on and on- any great ideas out there? ( And for the most part- yes I am feeling somewhat emotionally stable- well ususally)

Happy Holidays!

And so it goes...

Skate Park

So there's always been a few places that I just feel out of place in namely Computer stores and Hardware stores- thanks to my son I've been introduced to a few more lately. Hot Topic clothing/accessories/weird items store and most recently the skate park. Which was such a bizarre experience that I have to blog about it.

My son has recently picked up aggressive blading, and he has some friends that do the same as well as some skateboarding /bmx biking. They practice at a local school sometimes and some various places that they have found, but as you may know, skateboarders and such aren't always appreciated in parking lots (although if everything is closed, I don't know what the big deal is ) Anyhow, we finally made time in the schedule to take him to the skate park. He was going to get some equipment for his skates, (a friend gave him a used pair when he got new ones), then spend some time skating.

Let me say too, that initially it is was going to be his Dad taking him skating, but he was on call and ended up with 5 calls to do- which means Mom is left to the task ( of course I had to take Jayna to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. first) So after Chuck E Cheeses we come home, Andrew gets his skates and we head off. I just knew the name of the street the skate park was on, and the area of the street I was thinking of is, umm, well is a nicer area than where we ended up. Being disoriented, I about got crashed into by a bus, yes my fault, I think it was pulled over picking up a passenger and I didn't realize it, so I turned in front of it about the time it started to move forward.

We arrive at the park, the parking lot is full, so I had to park on the side of the road. First thing to notice - a police car is sitting out front. Hmm... We go through registration/waiver signing and he goes off to buy the needed gear. I was kind of clueless here, but he seemed to know somewhat what he needed, and a slew of friends were around. The lady is asking if we have an allen wrench- huh? But Andrew pulls one out of his bag. It took awhile, but between him and his friends they got him ready to skate. That leaves me to take in the atmosphere.

It was so bizarre- I was tempted to take pictures of the kids there, but thought that might be a bit creepy. Thus I refrained. I really wondered if some of them were dressed up for Halloween or something, but in the end, I don't know that they were. So here were some of my visuals for the night: the girl with gold and black tight and small stretch pants with red slipper like things,and a red sweat shirt (was she trying to be an elf??), the girl with a tiara and a fancy, short, dress worn with fish net like hose with big holes in them, there was actually someone in a "gumby" costume who was skateboarding, plenty of people with piercings and very black hair, neon pants.... So beyond the clothes I was also priveleged to see people making out- I thought the one couple were lesbian, but in the end, I think I figured out that one of them was a boy. There were probably hundreds of kids there- you can pay to skate, or you can pay $5 to hang out and listen to the bands. Truly the people participating in the sports didn't seem to be so weird, and were busy participating in their sport, not other "activities"

So the bands were awful- and I'm sitting there and I hear the one band member say this is a song about something that happened to me when I was 16- losing my virginity and it's called "Losing It" crowd cheers! Are you kidding me!! So as you can tell the whole experience was a bit overwhelming to this mom. For all of those kids there-how many parents??? About 5- myself and a few other moms sitting around reading books, maybe a Dad here or there. I wonder how many parents even have any idea what kind of atmosphere they are dropping their kids off into. Andrew has a friend that was dropped off there around 1 in the afternoon and was there when we left around 9:30. Not the kind of place I would want my child to be for that long unattended- even if kids are good and there to skate- too much of an ugly atmosphere.

Will we go again? I'm not saying we won't- I'm sure Andrew wants to. But we may avoid the band nights- and in the mean time I'm off to research other options- I'm afraid there may not be many. And yes, although it's a place I felt uncomfortable in- I'm still glad I was there for two reasons- one it was important for my son to have someone to take him to the skate park, and two just so I'm aware of what it is like.

And so it goes...

Reading now- "Banker to the Poor" (again!) by Muhammad Yunnus- excellent read, I've choosen it for book club next month.

Gratitude

Sometimes there is nothing better than gratitude to get your mind in a happier, better state- so here goes- although some of these things may have saddness or other negative emotions that could be wrapped up in them- I am really going to focus on the Gratitude part.

1. My father- in-law passed away this week. I am so filled with gratitude for his part in making my husband the man he is today. He was a man that loved his family and believed in working hard. My husband today has those same values.

2. Today my family had family home evening and I was filled with gratitude that this was a habit we started years ago. Although it may not be "traditional" it gives us an arena to talk about things that need talking about. If we hadn't started this tradition years ago I don't think it would be something that we would be starting now. So I'm also filled with gratitude for counsel of church leaders in encouragaing families to hold family home evening - and grateful that we had the sense to heed it.

3. I'm thankful that we had the opportunity to take my Dad out to dinner yesterday. He was having a really good day and I'm glad we could be part of it. It was a day early but we celebrated his 77th birthday. I'm thankful that he's had a long healthy life and has been quite instrumental in making me the person I am today.

4. I'm grateful for realizing today that sometimes when you are having financial difficulties it's not because you've done something wrong or were greedy or overspending- sometimes life is just like that. We've had medical bills, and car problems and visiting sick parents that have added up- it had discouraged me but I was able to realize that although we are not perfect at how we spend our money, we hadn't really done anything wrong. So I just need to make sure I don't let the situation overwhelm me to the part where I feel like I should quit trying.

5. I'm grateful for the change of the seasons- I love fall- I have often said it is in the fall that I feel "most like myself"

6. Grateful for good friends and family- although I sometimes have a hard time opening up- I have no doubt that I have people that truly care.

From Brainyquote.com:

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melody Beattie

The world is a better place when in all things gratitude can be found.

And so it goes...

More Pictures

Maid of the Mist
From the Maid of the Mist

Visiting with Richard's Dad

Richard's Mom and Dad

Richard's new "used" car

Pictures

Whitney, Cousin Alex and Uncle Ray, Jayna- It was really nice that there was this swing set at the nursing home.
Whitney feeding animals at the Olentangy Indian Caverns

Walking through the caverns

Jayna at the ward campout

Enjoying gem mining

Random thoughts- August 22

I just wanted to jot a few things before time goes on and I don't get my thoughts down. A lot of my random thoughts could probably be a blog post in and of themself, but I'm not going to dedicate that much time to it right now.

1. We just got back from a quick trip to Columbus. Richard's parents live there. His Dad has had a tough medical journey the past few years and is kind of tired of it all- ready to move on. Recently they discovered cancer by his esophogus and have decided not to treat it. From what I understand, they estimated him to live from a few weeks to a few months. So we wanted to go down so Richard could see his Dad. The timing worked out well, he already had a week off scheduled. We went out to eat one night- there is a place down the street from the nursing home that he could just ride his scooter too, and brought in McDonalds another night. Uncle Ray, Aunt Shawna and cousin Alex were there too. The whole experience has made me think a lot about something we talked about in OT classes- making the disabled's lived in world as large as possible. Richard's Dad can no longer transfer from his scooter to a car- therefore he can seldom get out. He was so excited to go to K-Mart on a nursing home field trip- and this is someone who normally would not be excited about going to K-Mart, but if it's your only chance to get out (he can be lifted into the van and stay on his scooter) you look forward to it. Once they were there, they really only had about 45 minutes to shop. He was happy to get an Icee and have a smoke break. It made me think- what happens if you have treatment on the day of the scheduled trip and can't go, what if you aren't able to go because the # of patients in wheelchairs/scooters is very limited... How small does your world become. A year or two ago- he was living his own life, but now is so dependent on what is available through the nursing home and everyone elses's schedule- how hard that must be. Once I have my OTA degree I'm qualified to be an activities director, something I've thought about.

While we were there we went to the Olentangy Indian Caverns- everyone really enjoyed it. The caverns and history of it were vey cool. We also enjoyed gem mining (even me- I love a treasure hunt!), there were animals out to pet- I loved it that they were just free roaming- there was a bully goat that ended up eating the bag that Jayna was feeding him from, and Jayna also enjoyed the playground. Nice little day.

2. Fair memories- past and present- We took the kids to the county fair and had a good time. It had been a few years since we had gone- Jayna didn't even remember going- so it was time to go. The fair reminds me of being a kid- having animals at the fair we would be there basically everyday of the fair- my Dad would give us $20 or so to spend during the week- a taste of freedom- then I also met my sweet hubby at the fair- so some really good memories. My goat and chicken did okay, but our lambs always placed lousily! We didn't ride rides because we have Darien Lake passes and it seemed silly to pay so much to ride there, but we enjoyed yummy fair food (gyro, sausage sandwich, corn dogs, nachos, fried cheescake!), watching shows (sea lion, duck races, acrobats) and playing games. Andrew and Whitney came home with a total of 4 goldfish (which are suprisingly still alive), and Jayna a light up sword which she has managed to torture everyone with. Jayna enjoyed seeing the animals and Whitney really hoped to be able to bottle feed a baby calf , but it was by raffle and she wasn't picked. She is a true animal lover- it is so natural in her (unlike me), she did enjoy petting the rescued greyhound.

3. School starts soon for everyone- I had great plans that over the summer I would come up with how to make things feel more balanced than last year, but.... not much has been accomplished. I hope to rely more on God this year, and pray that I don't stress out so much.

Just read- Give a Boy a Gun by Todd Strasser- a must read for parents of teens and educators

And so it goes...

Camp Ashead

Finishing touch for the chocolate covered marshmallows!
Camp Ashead sign

Boys will be Boys!! Andrew and Richard enjoyed using the magnifying glasses to try to start a fire!
Jayna showing off her sand art creation!

Angela and Jayna having a race!

Well, Jayna declared it to be "the second best day of my life" (being beaten out only by the day she was born), so I will call Camp Ashead a huge success this year. We've been doing Camp Ashead for years now- we probably started the year Andrew finished first grade- because I was inspired by fun activities that they did at the school's Camp Skeeter day.

Anyhow- Camp Ashead is a day of fun "campy" activities, but I have to say that I think a lot of the enjoyment comes from the fact that I really just try to play with the kids all day. Instead of sending them to blow bubbles, or draw with chalk I'm right there- the whole day- really trying to spend a lot of fun time with them-

Andrew and Whitney have outgrown it, so this year I put them to work helping with the activities. They did a great job and I was really proud of them. Since it would have been just Jayna playing, we did invite another little girl on the street to join us for a bit.

Activities of the day included- Making camp posters, sand art, bubble blowing, chalk drawing, slip and slide, water balloons, water race, making chocolate covered marshmallows, looking at nature with magnifying glasses,grilling out and making smores and ending the night sleeping in the tent. (Well Jayna, Richard and I).

I have to say I'm so glad I can have these experiences with my kids- hopefully they'll remember them as happy times.

And so it goes...

Tennis!

So, I got my brave on and signed up to take adult tennis lessons. It truly did require me to get my brave on- I've never had tennis lessons, not even in a gym class setting. Plus a bit self conscious about being overweight. I've had a racquet for years though, and have occassionally just enjoyed going and hitting the ball around. Oh funny thought and embarrassing- I took the racquet I've had for years and the instructor told me she thought it was a junior racquet! Thankfully I had taken Richard's with me also and could use that!

The first two lessons were cancelled due to rain and my ambition had dwindled by the time the 3rd lesson came around, but I made myself go and glad I did. There was only myself and one other mom and her teenage son, and we seemed to be about the same level,so it was really a non threatening group!

I was able to learn some skills and have really gotten much better, plus it was just kind of fun. Richard, Jayna and I went to play a little today. I hope to find some cheap racquets this summer. They have classes in the fall and I may sign up again, it would probably be a good stress relief once I'm back in school.

Just Read: You Have the Right to Remain Puzzled by Parnell Hall- an okay light read, but nothing spectacular.

And so it goes...

Too bad there's not a doctor in the fam! and more

So after Jayna had an awful winter with tons of sore throats and tonsils that are always huge, she had them removed on July 9th. I was hesitant about it- worried about the cost, and also the necessity of it, but in the end felt it was the right thing to do and that I shouldn't worry about it. She did much better on the morning of surgery than I expected- doing a dance in the bathroom as she changed into her gown and goofing off. As the nurse was taking her medical history and the nurse said you don't smoke- Jayna's like yes I smoke! Good for some comic relief. She got nervous for a bit- and I'm so thankful for Project Linus- they make blankets for kids having surgery or maybe in the hospital too- so the nurse let Jayna pick out a lovely fleece blanket that has like a knitted trim around it. It was perfect- something to snuggle up to ( I had asked her if she wanted to take a lovey with her, but she had said no) and also hide under as needed. There are so many great charity organizations and you don't appreciate them until you are on the other end. She came out of surgery rather quickly, and we were out the door about 3 hours after we had signed her in. I was so glad I could hold her as she was waking up from the anesthesia- she laid on me and fell asleep on me. It was sweet too seeing my husband be emotional about seeing her too. He said he felt more compassion for her than he knew he would. She recovered well- we had a little scare with some nosebleeds, but seems to thankfully be over that. I'm thankful for everyone's good wishes, my sister Mary who is a nurse who always gets questions and is willing to answer them, for Jayna's primary teachers who brought her over ice cream...

The pediatrician had recommended Andrew and Whitney both get screened for scoliosis- I had initially put it off when it was just Whitney- but when they said both of them I thought maybe I should look into it- I do have one sister that has mild scoliosis- Anyhow the x-rays came back ok for that, but Andrew has kyphosis - think hunchback- and is scheduled to see an orthopedic specialist later this month.

Summer has gone pretty well so far- actually better than I expected. I was nervous the older kids would be hiding out in their room- or texting or computer or ipods all day. We do have some of that, but not too too much. Each week they pull a card that has an activity that we'll do together during that week- so far we've gone to the book store (they each had a budget they could spend), and gone to pick strawberries, this week we are going bowling.

Just read- Glass Castle- by Jeannette Wells- good story
Reading now- The Shack- hmm, not so sure about it yet.

And so it goes....

June 24, 2009 reflections and updates

This is a picture of the kids at Darien Lake- we have season passes and actually plan on going later today. It's not far, so I don't feel like we have to spend the whole day to get our $'s worth. We have a mix of riders- Jayna and Whitney both like the rides like sleigh ride, the swings, scrambler- things like that, but they both also enjoy the rollercoasters - although Jayna hasn't tried them all yet. However, with the age difference, Whitney doesn't always want to ride with Jayna. Andrew is a straight roller coaster rider, so sometimes Whitney gets annoyed because he won't ride the what I'll call the medium rides with her. And their mom is hardly a rider at all- I'll do the log ride and the boat ride, the carousel- but I don't enjoy rollercoasters,and the many rides that are bound to make me sick. When their Dad comes- he can do about all of the rides- just doesn't enjoy the water area. (maybe if it was HOT) Jayna is a trooper riding rides by herself as I wait for her, but sometimes I feel bad- I mean I know it's more fun to ride With someone- but they have a lame mom- sorry!

Jayna at her year end gymnastic show. She did a great job. I'm proud of her. She was funny though- She would wave and smile at her Dad, then make faces or turn away from me. ( I think I did get a few waves) She can be a character. This year when she would get on the bus you seldom got a wave back- sometimes she would turn away from us, sometimes make a face and once in awhile a smile and a wave. One of her best friends from school is moving- it's a bummer. Buffalo wouldn't be so bad if people stayed here, but it seems like people are always moving out.

Andrew "graduated" from middle school yesterday. He kind of had a "whatever" attitude about the whole thing. He's a good kid, but I worry about him some. I was miserable at that age- and worry that he tends be somewhat the same- just not very happy, not making close friends, not getting involved in extra activities - he's been taking guitar lessons, but seems like he isn't enjoying it like he use to. I don't know how much is just normal teenagerishness, and at what point to be more concerned. Like I said I was miserable these years, on the other hand, Richard was loving life. Why isn't it possible for my kids to take any of my positive qualities (whatever that would be?) but they get the negative ones. Ugh!!

Unfortunately I have gained back a lot of the weight I lost. It's so frustrating. I try to not beat myself up over it- I realize it is very normal to do so and there are worse things than being fat, but it's not where I want to be. I try hard to not let my weight determine what I do- I remember being little and my Mom not wanting to swim with us because she didn't want to be in a swim suit. (that's my memory, who knows, in reality it could be different) So in cases like that I just try to suck it up (and suck it in), because I don't want my kids to miss out and I don't want my weight to determine what I do. I did sign up to take tennis lessons this summer. Although I'm heavier than I was as a teen, I think I feel more comfortable with my body and self than I did then (well, most days)

Thrilled to add back my reading section- yay for no college classes!!!

Just read- Still Alice- a great book, highly recommend it, about a women diagnosed with early onset alzheimers (fiction), Snow Flower and the Secret Fan- an okay read, interesting learning about the culture, but a bit too much guilt for me.

Reading Now- I capture the Castle by Dodie Smith- Maybe a third way done with this book and I would consider it a very delightful read- not thought provoking or deep so much, but just totally enjoyable.

and so it goes...

And so it goes... Still - May 31, 2009

It seems like so much has gone on in the past month or so. I've finished my first year of classes working towards becoming a certified occupational therapy assistant. I'm about halfway done- and am currently doing required field work. I am at Saint Francis of Buffalo, which is a subacute setting. It hasn't been bad, a good learning experience, but not sure that subacute is the right setting for me. It could be, we'll see. I hope to do either an early childhood or school based setting next year.

Mixed feelings about the whole school experience. I'm thankful for the opportunity to go back to school. I'm glad that when it's done I'll at least have an associates degree and the ability to help provide for my family as needed. I think the field of occupational therapy is a good one. However, this last semester was really stressful, and it saddens me to think that being in school has at least temporarily made me not the kind of parent I want to be. I just feel like everyone didn't get the attention they should have, and the stress made me more edgy with people than I like. I need to learn how to balance better! Hopefully next semester the class schedule should help- I'll get done earlier most days, although I'll still have 7 classes.

This is a picture of Jayna and other friends from her Brownies/Girl Scout troop. They were getting ready to go to a day of Girl Scout Encampment. She had a great time. I've been so thankful for the great troop leaders that she has had. She has had an opportunity to do some really nice things this year.

She is scheduled to have her tonsils removed in July. I'm not thrilled about it, hopefully though it'll decrease or eliminate some of the problems she had this year- strep throats, sore throats, stomach aches...

She is still enjoying gymnastics and is a funny girl!

I have a great husband who made me this cake for my birthday! It had been years since I had a german chocolate cake- one of my favorites. He even made the cake from scratch! What a sweet gesture from him. It was delicious!

Little things make me so happy! We mulched our front area on my birthday. I was thrilled to get the mulch from our town- it was so much less expensive than what I normally pay. And looks great too! The lilac bush/tree was blooming and fragrant, and we bought a hanging basket. My gardening skills are very limited (sorry mom and dad, but it's true!), but I have learned to find the basket that looks good throughout the summer, without much help from me.

Everyone else is doing well- growing up fast. Andrew still does his paper route on Saturdays and Whitney plans on mowing the neighbors lawn for the summer. They both recently were in the school concert and Whitney even had a solo part. They're both great singers.

We have season passes to Darien Lake and have already enjoyed going twice. Hopefully it will be some good summer fun.

Whitney helping at Grandma and Grandpa Spriggs

During the annual Easter egg hunt with the cousins- this year at Aunt Cheryl's.

After the egg hunt! We may be doing this for years and years to come- although they're getting older, they have a fun time.

And so it goes...

April 12

This is a picture of my Dad playing with a game of Connect Four with Jayna. It was nice. My Dad has dementia ( as far as I know it hasn't been diagnosed as Alzheimers, but sometimes I am out of the loop with my parents) anyhow his short term memory is very poor- he will often repeat himself and will need told things over and over within minutes. It is sad to see, especially at this stage where he is very aware of it and it makes him very sad. His mom and Dad both had mental problems as they aged. I have tried to get my mom to check out a day program- I think it would be helpful to both him and her- he would have some socialization and something to do, and she would have a break. However, no luck there. It's hard raising parents! Anyhow connect four was a good choice- it takes some cognitive skill- the need to stay focused somewhat, but not too difficult. Jayna and Dad had a nice time playing and played several games. I must say with the family history it makes me worried about my mental state as I age.

Whitney got a trampoline for her birthday and her and Jayna have loved it! Even when it is cold they'll go out and get in some good play time. We had one years ago, but threw it out, it didn't have the foam padding around the edge or the net. This one makes me feel much better.

This is Jayna's Easter decoration for us!

The kids and I are both on spring break- Yay! School has been really stressful for me, but the first year is almost done! I think May 18th is the last day of classes, then later that month I have a clinical- it's only about 1 1/2 or 2 weeks though. I should be done before the kids are out for the summer. I've thought about working summer, but really think a break would be nice. We have planned a few fun things for spring break- Out to eat (Quaker Steak and Lube- all you can eat wings - Andrew), Bison's game ( I really love Baseball games!) and then we are going to Ohio to visit family and have an Easter egg hunt with the cousins. I've been trying to see my parents every other month since I feel like things are getting worse there, and Richard's Dad has just gotten out of the hospital after about 2 months. His parents have moved to Columbus , OH. So some fun and some crazy, but definitely a change of pace.

Reading? Well I've started a few things, but haven't really got going much on anything lately- except anatomy stuff and such!

And so it goes...

Cheat Code!

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...

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...

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...

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...

Snow Tubing

Tubers coming down the hill.
Richard, Andrew and Jayna with their tubes.
Whitney warming up
Andrew getting ready to ride up

Every 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.

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..