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...
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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...
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...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
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" carPictures
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 miningSaturday, August 22, 2009
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...
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...
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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.
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...
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