Disney

So much to say about our trip to Disney, and truly a lot of the details might not be interesting to anyone else, but I want to write them down for myself to remember.  About 7 years ago we took a brief trip to Disney World - it was tied into Richard being there for a conference.  So basically it was me with 3 young kids hitting the parks alone for most of the time. Since then we had said we would go back when Jayna was 10.  So this September we headed back to Walt Disney World and had a wonderful time.

I spent a lot of time before our trip, planning and planning again.  My family prob. thought I was a bit obsessed, but I was trying to accomplish the best trip without spending a fortune.  And I wanted to have some great experiences.  Overall I was happy with our planning, although if we were to do it again there is probably a few minor things I would do differently.

We drove down and back stopping each way in GA. to spend the night.  It was a long drive- and if you know me well you know I hate long drives.  However, I have to say the drive itself was some of the best family time.  I loved listening to my kids interact with each.  It can be quite hysterical.

We stayed at the Art of Animation Resort, and we had a dining plan and we had the waterparks and more package.  We didn't have the park hopper option.  We started with the park hopper package but then changed to the waterparks and more option- they cost the same price so were interchangeable.  The waterparks and more package worked out well for us-we used a lot of the options:  we all went to Disney Quest once, and the girls went a 2nd time; Richard and I went mini golfing twice, and we went to one water park once and another water park twice.  It was really a nice way to add some things in instead of just the regular Disney parks. 

Dining:  We had the option of several sit down meals and here is where we ate for them:
The House of Blues:  by far the best food- it was so good  ( at least for adults)!  Jayna wasn't thrilled with the menu though and ended up ordering from the kids menu which was fine.
Sci-Fi-Diner- cool theming- sitting in the cars in a "drive in" theater, food was ok
50's Diner- not bad
Via Napoli-in Epcot in Italy, the waiter recommends we  take Italian lessons!  Food was pretty good and it was nice to try something different.
Then we did 2 character meals- prob. one would be enough, we did a dinner buffet at The Crystal Palace and a breakfast at Cape May Cafe.

One of the biggest things for me was "Getting my brave on"- I am not a thrill rider, but did get brave and ride rides that were scary to me!  And I did the snorkeling adventure at Typhoon Lagoon- the first time I did it without snorkel gear, because it freaks me out, the 2nd time I used the gear and it was very cool.

We spent time at all of  the parks:  Hollywood Studios (the favorite for all the kids!), Animal Kingdom-Richard liked seeing the bats, Magic Kingdom- the Monsters laugh floor was hysterical and I liked one of the shows, Jayna still liked "the small world" ride- she rode that tons when she was 3 and still enjoys it, and Epcot- the Epcot day I was beat, so we didn't see all of the "world" that I would have liked to, but I did really enjoy visiting the different countries and Jayna enjoyed a Perry the platypus adventure- really quite cool.  Epcot was Richard's favorite.

We had a great time, some things we did together and sometimes we separated. The kids were a great age to go.  It will be a long time before we take another "big vacation" but I'm already to start planning!

And so it goes...

Summer 2012

Well each of things I will write about, probably deserved a post of thier own, but so seldom does that happen - except in my mind!  Summer has come and is on its way out.  The kids start school this week, and the two schools that I work at have already started.

These pictures are pictures of Jayna and her friend at Del Grossos amusement park.  We went there for my work picnic.  She had such an amazing great time!  Bringing a friend really made a difference.  Sometimes, or perhaps even often, Jayna is the "odd one out" , not having a sibling close to her in age.  So when we do things like this she would end up riding with a semi- interested parent or a semi- interested older sibling.  She had the best day ever hanging out with her friend, and it really changed the experience for everyone.

Here are our two happy teenagers on the same day. 

So the next pictures are of the camping trip Jayna and I took.  I took Whitney by myself when she was younger, and Richard and Andrew have gone by themselves, so now it was Jayna's turn.  I have to say, it is always  give me that "girl power" feeling when I do something like that on my own.  Yes, I can set up the tent, yes I can start the fire, yes I can use the camp stove, yes I can tear down quickly at 7 in the morning before the storm rolls in and yes, I can release many fish after Jayna caught them! Go Sue!  Anyhow we had a great time.  We went to a Jellystone/Yogi bear campground.  I recommend those to everyone!  They have great activities planned and nice facilities.  This one was smaller than the one we camped at previously, but still had plenty to do.  I think Jayna's favorite was fishing.  She had tried fishing this summer near where we lived, but hadn't had much luck.  So she was thrilled when she started catching fish here- with our sub rolls!  She would yell " get the camera" as she reeled in a fish!  I was happy for her.  She swam a lot too as well as playing on the playground, taking a hayride, playing a game, and in the arcade, and reading at night in our tent.  So glad I could do that with her.

The next pictures are of our garden areas.  I loved the rhododendron in bloom this spring.  It was beautiful!  The peonies were beautiful too, when we moved in that bed was completely run over and I wasn't sure what to expect.  I did a lot of weeding and tearing out stuff, especially plants with burrs on them.  It was a lot of work,  I couldn't find a picture of them in bloom, but they were beautiful and smelled so good!  We only planted a few things for our garden this year- I was waiting to see what came up in the peony bed, or if we would make that our garden next year.  But there was a little strip by our garage where we planted tomatoes, basil and lettuce.  They were all successful- yay!

We did some volunteering at the animal shelter this summer. Not as much as I had anticipated, but some.  Andrew and Jayna are defintely cat people and Whitney, like her Dad, is a dog person.  And I ummm, prefer none.

My sister Linda and her daughter Cierra came to visit this summer for a few days.  She introduced us to geocaching and we went to see 4th of July fireworks together.

This is one of my recent favorite thrift store buys!  Cool huh?  I also found a great old mirror that is now hanging in our hallway.  We have a great thrift store nearby and have found some great deals!

The kids also spent some time at Grandma Asheads.  That was good for everyone I think.  The kids all think she is cool and she spoiled them.  Grandmas can be great because all they have to do is love them and accept them.  Andrew and Whitney went together, and Jayna went by herself.  She took them shopping and out to eat and just enjoyed time together.

Richard did an amazing job on our steps and hallway.  It was so much work- I think it was about 45 hrs. worth and about 6 gallons of paint- just for the hallways and steps!  Pair it with the picture of our living room and maybe you can see where we are going with our house. So far the formal LR has been done, the hallway and steps, downstairs 1/2 bath and the girls bedrooms have been painted. Still lots to do, but I think we are done with projects for awhile.

So that's a lot of our summer, I am really hoping for a good school year.  Jayna will be in 5th grade, Whitney 10th and this is Andrew's senior year. 

And so it goes....

Just read " Little Bee" by Chris Cleave

Teaching financial responsibility?

Parenting always comes with so many questions.  So many "how do I" concerns, and often the answers are determined by the parents' past experiences and own upbringing.  Money issues-have been on my mind.  In the past we encouraged our kids to put some of their $ into a savings account, but there was no set rule as to how often or how much.  Then, they were usually getting birthday and Christmas money from Grandparents.   When Andrew worked delivering newspapers in Buffalo- he saved up a lot of his money to buy some of those things we wouldn't or couldn't buy for him.  Now, it is just a year before he will be heading off for college- and he is working a summer job.  So we have asked him to put 20% of his pay as a minimum into the bank- to be used for college, or a future car or something bigger than the newest video game.  He has done this willingly, and sometimes puts more into the bank.  The hard part for me is letting that be good enough.  Sometimes he will spend a large portion of his left over money right away, or buy things that I don't think merit the expense.  I am struggling with letting it be, and being happy for him to have the ability to buy what he wants.  So much of this has to do with my upbringing, but also my current responsbility and abililty to see the need to spend wisely- so I want him to make wise choices--- HOWEVER, on the other hand I want him to relax, have fun, and enjoy the fruits of his labor in a positive way.  When I was in college, I was so concerned about money that I never did anything fun.  The little bit of money I made mostly went into the bank or paid for needed neccesities.  Then ( unlike now), if we didn't eat in the main dining hall, you had to pay $.  So, I never hung out at the pizza joint, and did anything extra- I remember one time going out with people.  And I really regret that I didn't do more of that now.  So when is financial responsibility just too much.  I still struggle with this today.  Just recently I bought  a few new clothes ( yes, just a few 2 pairs of capris and a shirt), I had no capris any more, and only one pair of shorts that is many years old.  Financially it probably wasn't the best choice for our budget at the time- but I have to say how much better I have felt to have a few new items to wear.  We ran into Richard's boss the other day while we were out- and it really made me feel so much better to have a decent outfit on- ( even then a shirt I was wearing was from the thrift store!)

Well, there's my rant.  I want to be financially responsible, but at the same time have a few things for myself. Is that so bad- and what happens when the two can't happen simutaneously?

And so it goes...

Just an update...

Often I think about blogging- about sharing my thoughts and experiences of the day- but then I don't.  So when I actually do, it is often a hodge podge of thoughts.  Oh well.  Anyhow, just a little update on our family.

Summer is here.  It was hard to wrap my head around the idea that my kids would be out of school so soon.  June 1st was their last day.  As I saw my Buffalo friends post pictures of flag day at school, it hit again.  The kids use to still be in school at this time.  And  here we are on our 2nd week of vacation.  So far vacation for the kids has mostly been  hanging out and relaxing.  That is always needed.  There are times I have really had to stop myself from turning into "Crazy Mom".  This has to do with the fact that I am a morning person, not a night owl.  So when it is noon and my kids are just rolling out of bed, my gut instinct is to get them going on whatever chores they need to do, or even take a shower, NOW, NOW, NOW!  I have tried hard to let them have somewhat of their own schedules (at least the teenagers), Whitney has always been a night owl, and now that summer is here enjoys staying up late then getting up late and Andrew has always just needed more sleep at times. I have tried not to plan activities (strawberry picking) for first thing in the morning.  But honestly- it is something I have to conscientously think about, because my natural tendency is to get up and get everything done- because by around 3 PM, I've lost all energy and ambition.  I do like it when I can get up and do paperwork or computer work in the quiet of the morning.  Jayna is the one early riser, but on occassion will sleep in until 8 ish.  The first few days of my summer vacation, I got up a little later than normal, but then felt prompted to not waste that time.  I have been writing daily lists of things to do to keep organized and motivated.  I have decided to give myself one off day- with less of a list- and maybe some time for something fun!  (Today is my down day for this week)

Work for me- It  was a tough year, but I think it is getting better.  Since we moved here last August I've had 3 jobs- and am still working one of them.  It just took awhile to get settled and on the right path.  I am working as an occupational therapy assistant with preschool-high school students.  I love that my company is so willing to accept that I only want to work part -time, I generally worked 3 days a week during the school year. I love that they actually have an allowance to buy supplies with.  It has been a great learning experience- the disabilities I have been working with are much broader than what I have worked with before- so I am learing lots.  During the summer months  I only work a few days a month and only see the preschoolers.  So I am enjoying the time "home" with the kids, but it is kind of a time/money issue.  When I have the money to do extra things, I don't have the time, now that I have the time, I don't have the money to do extra things.  Oh well, I'm not complaining.

Work for Richard- Still going pretty well,  he has lots of opportunity to get out of his comfort zone and do new things, which can be great, but also a challenge.    He also works in an office with more estrogen then testosterone and that can be a little hard for him! He does have the opportunity to ride his motorcycle to work more often and is enjoying that. Company picnic is coming up and he is in charge of grilling.

Andrew is working at Raystown Resort- generally one day a week.    He works weddings and business meetings- serving and such. It's a good job for a teenager.  He is looking forward to his girlfriend coming up this summer.  He is enjoying summer break by sleeping in and playing video games too.

Whitney is babysitting the neighbor kids this summer.  I think it is quite a bit harder than she imagined.  She watches a 7 year old and a 3 year old- they have been the hardest kids she's ever babysat.  However, she is looking forward to getting paid, as she is feeling broke.  Whitney is into vintage/retro items- has an old typewriter, a record player, a collection of old bottles and cigar boxes...anyhow we were at an auction recently ( her first) and she bought a camera for a dollar- when she came home she looked on the internet about it- then listed it on ebay and sold it for $65!  She wants to go to another auction!

Jayna is enjoying the laid back days of summer- with a bedtime that is variable and playing games with Mom.  She and I plan on camping together this summer at a Yogi-bear park.

The kids are all volunteering at the humane society.  This week I ended up going 3 days, one day with each of them.  I think most weeks I will be able to do this in two days- but I think we would be too crowded and on top of each other if we did it one day a week ( since I have to be with all of them)  They are enjoying it ( prob. Whitney the most), and I am tolerating it.  If you think about "A Charlie Brown Christmas", when Lucy gets licked my Snoopy and runs around and calls for sanitizer/disenfectant- then you will know how I have felt about animals- and why this is a such a stretch for me.  However, I love my kids, and knew they needed something positive to do this summer- so here we are.

Other summer plans- a trip to Buffalo, maybe the kids spending some time in Columbus with their Grandma, my sister (s?) coming to visit.  And we are looking forward to a Disney World trip in September!

Reading now:  "If I am Missing or Dead"- I'm not sure if I will finish this.  It is a true story written by a sister of a women who was killed by her boyfriend- the point was to look over their lives and relate how they both became involved in bad relationships- why they ended up how they did.  But it's mostly been a book about one bad relationship after another thus far, and I'm not really enjoying it.

Just Read "Growing up Amish"- this is a good read, and pretty quick too, I'd recommend it.  It's about a man who grew up Amish and his struggle to leave the Amish church.  It has some thought provoking parts.

And so it goes...

I love my kids.

My kids have just finished their first year at  a new school (Juniata Valley Schools.)  It has been a hard year on all of them- which has made it a hard year on me.  The school is different here, the people are different here.  And different isn't always bad ( although in some regards it can be), but different can be hard.  So deeply, I want my kids to know that they are so intensely loved by their parents.  I want them to know that they are  always enough- they are perfect.  When the world ( or the kids at school) say you don't belong, you're wrong or you're not welcome here- I need my kids to know how awesome I think each of them are.  I need them to know that they will always belong here with our family in our hearts.  I need them to know that they have their own support team.  I worry my kids don't always know this - and it makes me sad.  Sometimes my children have chosen to participate in activities that I don't think are good for them morally or physically- and I have had to express that as a concerned parent.  That concern does not mean I don't love or accept them  I do.  I want the best for each of them.  There have been times when we have had to say "I'm sorry , this is where we live now and there's nothing we can do about that"- doesn't mean we think it's easy for you- we know it's not. We have expressed to them that a big part of life is learning to deal with difficult challenges- and having expressed that doesn't mean we don't get that it is a difficult challenge.  As your parents we want to help you through these challenges- we wish they weren't so hard. Sometimes we feel there is not much we can do to help- except to let you know- we love you, and you are more than good enough to us- you are our perfect. I don't think I realized going into this how hard it would be- in my mind- who possibly wouldn't like my kids- " Can't you see how cool they are?" and unforuntaely the world doesn't always see that- but I want my kids to know I think they are awesome- each in their own separate ways.  I love them so intensely.  Here is hoping summer is full of rejuvenation and relief- although I know already Whitney is dreading it as she doesn't know what she will do with herself- and will be missing her Buffalo adventures. ( we do go back every few months)

And so it goes....

Reading Now; " The Shoemaker's Wife"

Almost Spontaneous?

Richard and I not spontaneous.  Not at all really.  I wish I was, but I'm not.  It seems like everything we do goes through so much analysis and thought processing.  So recently we took a little camping trip that seemed almost spontaneous.  What does almost spontaneous mean to us folk?  Well- we took less than a week to plan a 1 night camping trip.  And I'm serious that's spontaneous for us- those people who just get in a car and drive, or plan a great adventure in one day- not me, not yet- but maybe? Someday?

Anyhow, last Sunday Richard and I rode the motorcycle to a state park that I often drive by as I travel to one of my work sites.  I had always wanted to stop and explore, it's beautiful and as I drive there, I always feel like I could see a bear meandering about.  So we took a nice ride out and explored it together.  We decided we should camp there.  I have to say I was a bit surprised when Richard asked me once we got home if we wanted to go camping there this weekend.  Not just because it felt spontaneous, but because camping has seldom been one of Richard's first choice of activities.  I was certainly in though.  By Weds. I think we had reserved a site and I bought a tent.  I wavered a little bit- Andrew and Whitney were staying home and I knew we had no cell service, and well they are teenagers.  This is when having a slightly nosy neighbor can be helpful.  I let our nice ( but yes, perhaps a bit nosy) neigbor know that they would be at home alone- and also when they were expected to be back at our house and such, as well as letting her know I gave their numbers to the kids in case of emergency.  It lessened my fear a bit- and thankfully, thus far as we have returned home all seems well. 

We bought one of newer "instant" set up tents. I know I have plans to take Jayna camping by myself this summer and did not one the stress of looking like a fool as I wrestle with a tent!

Jayna and Mom at camp!

Richard the morning after sleeping in the tent. He says he looks like he's been beaten!

Jayna warming up after a freezy night sleeping in the tent!

Richard still in recovery mode!

 We really had a nice time and needed that change of pace. Here's waiting to see what our next almost spontaneous adventure will be.

And so it goes....

Reading now: The Appeal, by John Grisham-- this book has taken longer to capture my interest than others of his, but it does make you think a little.

What makes a good teacher?

My 10 year old is somewhat obsessed with her teacher from a previous school year. This teacher has been given the title "best teacher ever" time and time again: Which has gotten me thinking. This certain teacher was a fine teacher, but not one that I had been willing to give the title of "best teacher ever" to. I've had to rethink this though - is the "best" teacher one that teaches your kids the most academics, or is the best teacher the one that makes your kids love school?

In college I had a miserable French teacher, ( I could probably see her differently now but not then...) the class was such a huge stress on me, that when I finished it- I blocked out everything from it- and now know very little French. Perhaps I would have retained more if the teacher "taught" less but had a happier, friendlier attitude.

All 3 of my children have plans of becoming teachers someday. I find this interesting- I know they have been touched by many teachers in there lives already-some perhaps in a negative way, but many in positive ways. I'm thankful for those positive touches.. If they do choose to follow these plans to become teachers I'd love to see the positive ways they choose to influence their students- and I'm sure there will be some of their "best teachers ever" in their teaching style.

What makes the best teacher???? Who was your best teacher ever- and why?

And so it goes...

Just Read-"The Night Circus"- a great mystical read, I highly recommend it!

Pictures

Freshly painted formal living room

Formal LR

"Before" picture

Jayna trying out her pottery machine.

Whitney and Jayna playing Kinect

The new pool table

The dog (Muffy)

Our Christmas tree- cut from our back yard.

My family is not one for having their pictures taken. They're just not. Posing- generally no way. Recently Whitney had an awful allergic reaction to some medication- she was one red hot mess! I would love to have a picture to show you, but sorry I don't. Anyhow- here are some random pictures.

Heading into 2012

Welcome 2012- I'm glad you're here and looking forward to the changes, growth and memories you'll bring.

Each year our family fills our a questionaire as we head into the the upcoming year. It is really fun to see the changes from year to year. This year the questions were answered a little less enthusiastically then in the past- it has been a rough year of moving and changes, especially for the kids ( ok, Mom too some) A lot of the answers revolved around Buffalo- being there, returning there... So here are some of the questions with responses- as well as some of the responses from previous years.

"What was your favorite thing about the year?"

Andrew- 2012- Having Nina stay with me


Andrew-2006- Camping @ Yogi bear


Whitney- 2012- the summer before we moved, going on adventures and bike rides


Whitney 2006- Getting Muffy, going to the bonfire, the October Storm


Jayna 2012- Making new friends


Jayna 2006- Getting the Christmas tree



"What do you want to do next year"

Andrew- 2012 - learn and understand more subjects/topics


Andrew 2006- Chicken wing contest


Whitney 2012- be happy here, enough. Stay close with my friends/home


Whitney 2006 I want to have a clubhouse that is not a cardboard box, and camping.


Jayna 2012- Go to the beach


Jayna 2006- Camping





"If you could go anywhere, where would it be?"


Andrew- 2012- England


Andrew 2006- Disney World


Whitney- 2012- Buffalo/Amherst


Whitney 2005- Camping for 9 days or more


Jayna- 2012- on top of a cloud


Jayna 2006-Disney World





I've decided not to set big resolutions this year, but more weekly goals. They seem more do-able and can guide me to the results, plus I think needs change weekly, and it gives me an opportunity to reflect each week on what is most important. Last week the goals were- 1. Pray more about concerns 2. track at least 3 days (Weight watchers) I think I did better with the praying and better at tracking, although I didn't quite reach my goal.


I have chosen a scripture to be my motto for the year. Alma 37:37 (from the Book of Mormon, for those who don't know, our church uses the Bible, but also has other books that we believe to be revealed scripture)





Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.





I think this is a good motto for me this year. I want to counsel with the Lord often, and I need to have faith, that as I do this and listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and try to do what is right, the Lord will direct me for good. Sometimes I worry too much. I also love the idea of gratitude and being lifted up at the last day.





The kids all got some nice Christmas surprises. One that has been enjoyed a lot by all of them, is the pool table in the attic ( along with an air hockey table) They all enjoy playing it and play with each other. It's kind of silly- but in some ways I find it important to me, I wanted them to have the opportunity to learn to play pool and be comfortable with it before they went to college. I know. Silly. I remember going to college though and wanting to give it a try, but being embarrassed, so not really getting into it. I think it would have been fun- and sometimes it's nice to learn things in a "safe" environment. The kids weren't expecting a pool table, but are all enjoying it, and I'm glad.





I've been working as a COTA in a skilled nursing setting. Here are the good things about it- it pays well, and I have full days off to regroup, which is good for my family. I don't want to get into the bad things now- I'm still trying to figure out what I think of the whole setting and the company