What a year- 2010!

Well 2011 is here, which makes me reflect back on the past year. It's been one of those "big" years for me-with a lot of major things occuring. In January I had emergency surgery to have my gall bladder removed, in May I graduated from college with an associates degree in occupational therapy assistant, in July our Family took a nice vacation to NYC, in August I started working in my new career field, and in December my oldest child turned 16. All good things - except perhaps the surgery. However, what really makes the year is just the day to day things with my family. We are truly blessed to have one another, to live in this land of freedom, to have the means to provide for our needs. I'm thankful that as we are entering the new year we have jobs and health and one another.

I think the goals for last year were to try more new recipes and to have a vegetarian meal each week. I do think I did a decent job at trying new recipes- and even posting about some of them, however the vegetarian meals kind of slipped away. Not that we didn't have any, but certainly not the quality or quanity I had hoped for. Goals for this year??? I'm not sure, I'm still thinking about that. I want to be reasonable and not set myself up to be disappointed as the year goes on. Maybe something to do with organization?

Richard's going to be travelling more the next few months. I am determined to be a relatively happy wife while he is away! I have a bad habit of taking on the attitude of "if you're not here when I need you, then I don't need you" Oh, the poor man, he really is a good guy. Hopefully the kids, the cars, the weather and everything else will cooperate with me!

Wishing everyone a happy, truly happy New Year.

**Just Finished- The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney ( I think)It was okay, the first half was really good, but unfortunately I felt it went downhill from there.

And so it goes....

And so it goes...

The question of the day: How did people live years ago in such small houses with many more children and not kill each other??? Today the Momma needs her space!! Remember how I blogged about the benefits of no cable? It's still generally true, but there are times when I kind of wish everyone would scurry to their own room to watch tv! We have a relatively small house, although I know years ago it would have been considered huge- and sometimes there is just too much commotion in a small place. I took the newspaper and headed to my room tonight! ( Hmm, maybe in the "good old days" people were just too tired)

Jayna just turned 9 and had a fun birthday party at Bounce magic. I don't know if I can pick out a favorite present- she received lots of great items, and I'm glad she has good friends. Richard and I recently went to her parent- teacher conferences and we talked about sometimes more important than academics is the ability to have friends.

Whitney has finished field hockey and is now on to basketball. Her Christmas advice to me " don't buy me and clothes or purses"

Andrew just went to visit the Harkness program for audio and video production, and seemed quite interested in it. If he chooses to do that he would attend Harkness next year in the morning, then go to his home school for academic classes. Still things to figure out, but maybe it is something he'll do?

Work- at times I think 2 jobs is too many.( I only work part-time) Although I like things about both of them. My plan for now is to finish out the school year with both jobs and then reevaluate. Today was a good day at my official OT job- I love it when you can come up with something that seems to work! And I've had some positive success with some of my "more difficult" students. There are times when you can feel nothing but love and compassion for these kids.

Getting ready for Christmas! I have assigned Whitney to make some of the holiday goodies! We have a real tree that smells great!

And so it goes...

Oh the benefits of no cable!

Well, it wasn't the initial plan, but has ended up to be the much better one. At least if you ask the Mama of the house. It started with the desire to save some $. We decided to switch from Fios, back to Time Warner- bad mistake, but in the end it worked out. After having Time Warner back multiple times to make our internet and Tv work, even one of the customer reps.there suggested it might be best if we switched back to Fios. However we took it a step further and decided to just get internet and drop cable. The plan was to get an antennae for the basic stations, and then watch other things online. However, hubby forgot- and it was certainly nothing that would have entered my mind, the kids tv's would be too old for reception unless they had a digital converter box ( which cost about 50 each and defeats the initial save money idea, although eventually it would) So for now, what do we have?? One Tv in the Living room with the basic stations on it. And why does that make me happy????

1. I came home the other night to see my teenage daughter watching the news.
2. We watch TV more as a family now.
3. Nobody can hide in their room and turn on something I may consider inappropriate.
4. No more wasting electricity by people falling asleep with their TV on.
5. Less sleep deprivation- no one has to stay up to see the next episode of Hank Hill or....

Anyhow, I think it's great, although I understand others may not share my same opinion!! :)

REading Now: nothing, the "Book Thief" is still lost!- Oh but we do get the daily paper now and that's been good reading too- and funny to discuss news stories with the FAM!

And so it goes....

Random Thoughts- Oct. 6, 2010

So, I felt a little proud of myself for making an apple carmel pie the other day. Sounds yummy, huh? Actually it was, and it helped make up for the fact that family home evening did not go the way I had envisioned, oh well. Apple carmel pie and hot spiced cider makes everything better. Speaking of recipes, that was a new one, and I'll admit it, I used a store bought pie crust, but the truth is, without it, the pie would probably have remained just a nice thought. Sometimes I wish I was more of a kitchen person than I am- but I'm not, and that's okay- nobody has starved yet. The next new recipe to try?? Stuffed pepper soup- I had a sample of this one morning at the Farmers Market and thought it was delicious- and better yet, Richard liked it too. So, I have a new recipe to try- who knows if it will taste like our sample, but I hope so!

Kids and Sports! I have debated in my head and to those who would listen- my dilemma about attending every sporting event. Yes, I think it's important to support your kids in their activities, however, I have also come to my own conclussion that if attending a game an hour away is going to make you a grouchy mom, that sometimes its okay to say "not this one". I think my kids would appreciate it more to have a happy relaxed Mom than a crazy strressed out one. Plus there are certainly times having 3 kids that more than one kid needs a parent at the same time- thankfully there are two of us! Naturally however, this year and last I believe Whitney has chosen to score her first time of the season when we were not there! Hmm, maybe she does better without us anyway!

Politics- I'm not against old people,education, young people or the arts- however, I am against uncontrolled spending that is burying as a nation. Along with the sense of entitlement that it seems to breed. In high school I did a paper on Confucius and he had a quote that has stuck with me ( or the idea of it anyhow, it was quite long)- it had to do with for someone to govern a country that first they had to be able to govern themselves, and then their family and on up the line. Looking at political candidates- I feel that many are stuck on step one- the governing of themselves. Geesh! Is all I have to say.

Cookie dough, girl scout cookies, wrapping paper, magazines- all things that you could probably buy from one of my kids right now! Yep, it's fundraising season. As a parent I'm not a fan of, but is it a necessary evil? Two of my kids are trying to earn money for school trips- totalling close to $1000 this year. Honestly, I don't have that in my budget right now. But would people rather donate $10 to a trip or spend $15 on cookie dough where the child gets a$5 credit. And it does seem wrong to ask random people for $10 for a trip, but not so bad to say hey would you like to buy some chocolate- but they are usually just buying it to be nice anyhow- hmm... the dilemma. In some ways I think it is good for social skills, but I hate the "prize incentives", where a little girl begins to think they could sell 400 boxes of cookies without a problem, and if we didn't have these prizes would cookies be less expensive, would people buy more????

Time to finish up- about time to head to work

Trying to read: The Book Thief - however I believe it is hiding somewhere in my house?

And so it goes...

Sept. 18,2010

So I'm sitting here avoiding tasks I should be doing- but updating a blog is a worthwhile task- right?

Family Fun this morning- went to the farmers market then walked around a local park with waterfalls.- Nice and relaxing -the weather was perfect. We bought some maple cheese- it's delish!

So about my new jobs- I'm working generally 1 day a week as a program assistant at an adult day program, and 3 days a week as a COTA at a school for children with social, behavioral or emotional issues. I thought it would be a nice mix and generally it has been. The program assistant job is nice because I don't have to plan or really think too much ahead of time- just show up and help the clients with whatever (activities, eating, bathroom), I just think it's an important job and I value the service they provide- both to the clients and their caregivers. The COTA job I guess is what I consider my "real" job though. It's intense but I have to say I think I'm liking it. I think I'll like it even more once I get all the paperwork/administrative part down. Although I'm learning the kids pretty well so far, I think it will take time to get a smooth flow to everything. I'm working with students between the ages of about 5-16, so it really it a broad range. Each student has individual goals they're working on- from cutting, handwriting, coping skills, organization, daily living skills, visual perception... So I meet with each child generally twice a week and do sessions geared towards their goals. Because of the nature of the kids attending there- there are occassional issues- but some of these kids have had a really rough life and I think in some cases they have just made the best adjustment they knew how.

Jayna is loving 3rd grade and thinks she has the best teacher ever (JOY!) Whitney is enjoying playing field hockey and Andrew unfortunately is hating school- ugh- I don't know how to get past that. Part of it is that people bug him- he doesn't want to hear where kids bought their school clothes, who visited their grandma... or whatever.

Just Read- Mockingjay- good but I think I really liked the 2nd book in the series the best.

And so it goes...

And so it goes---FAST!

Oh my goodness- I can't explain how fast time seems to be flying. Just last night I was talking to Richard about how big Jayna is- I just want time to slow down. She is attending day camp for a couple of weeks this summer. She was so excited, but on the way there the first day she got very nervous and scared. Two days later she's asking me not to come in with her- could I just pull up and drop her off at the door :( !!! We did that today, although yesterday I still got out and walked her into the building- but not to the gym where they meet. And she's like ok mom, tomorrow you'll just drop me off?? She's 8 years old- that's a good ways past diapers, potty training and even Dora the Explorer. (Although I must say, I've seen enough of Wizards of Waverly Place and Suite Life of Zack and Cody and ICArly to last me- somedays I'd much prefer to watch Curious George and Dora- but life moves on)

Jayna's 8, Whitney is 13 and Andrew 15- sometimes there seems like there is only so much time to get in special family activities before the olders one won't want to be involved (which already happens at times) So that being said is was a great time this summer to hit The Big Apple, NYC!
What a fun vacation it was- and more than fun, I think we really had some good bonding time going on. It was my first time there, as well as the kids. Richard went when he was in high school. We had a hotel right in Manhattan-which was great! We could either walk places ( Like Dylans Candy Shop- fun and yum!) or hit the subway. We did tons of subway rides and we ALL got pretty good at swiping our cards and getting on and off. We did have one ride at the evening rush hour that was super packed- I mean really super packed! I was afraid if we broke down- I would break down- and be of no help to anyone. It was crazy! We also did tons of walking.

One day we did Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty- this was probably my favorite adventure- although we planned it for day that ended up being 100+ degrees out. It was just so meaningful to see what our nation has meant to people in the past, I think sometimes we forget that, along with the blessings and benefits of living in the good old USA.

We also saw Wicked on Broadway. How fun is that! I think that was probably Andrew's favorite things. I started explaining the play to Jayna as it started, after about a minute she asked me if I could just be quiet!! Like I said they are growing up fast.

Shopping in Times Square and China Town. The kids were each given $80 of spending money. It was fun seeing them plan their buying (Andrew and Whitney) or just see something they had to buy and buy it (Jayna more often) So this is how they spent their money: Andrew: wicked poster, wicked t-shirt, candy from Dylans, stickers for friends. Whitney: statue of liberty necklace, candy, sunglasses, clothing, friend gifts. Jayna: statue of liberty clock, m&m dispenser, playing cards, candy, water toy. We all thought the ferris wheel in the toys R Us was very cool- I knew they had an indoor ferris wheel, but not that the carts would be so cool! We got to FAO Schwartz just as it was about time to close, but Jayna did get to play on the big floor piano.

We also hit some theme restaurants: mars 2012, Jekyl and Hyde, and one with aspiring singers singing for us.

Also walked on wall street, and went to the 9-11 memorial center, central park. It was really a great time. One of the best memories was the kids singing on the way home to the tune of "Why can't we be friends", changed to "Why can't we have food"- mom and dad was hoping to make it home without stopping to eat again. Also , Whitney made her own versions of "I say a boom chicka boom.." we had the underwear version: "I say a loom chick a boom", the mummy version- "I say a tomb chick a boom (hmm, does she say boom or tomb the second time?), the scary villian version "I say a doom chick a doom?" It was just lots of fun.

So much more to say- graduation, NBCOT test, job search....but that's all for now.

div>Just read- How to be Lost by Amanda Eyreward

And so it goes

Mother's Day

Several years ago I heard a Mom in church say how she felt like she should give her kids gifts on Mother's Day because they are so great ( or something like that), that has stuck with me- sure I want my kids to love and respect and cherish me- I want them to know how great I think they are too, and how glad I am that they are mine. This year they each got a box of Jr. mints, along with a certificate for a week of not doing their monthly chores, as well as my expression of love to them. Shown below, but it had a nice picture with it too.


I’m glad I’m your Mom– You are a bright spot in my life, and I’m thankful for you! I know I may not always be the perfect mom, but I want you to know that I always love you– no matter what. I know that sometimes it’s not easy to be a kid– school expectations, parents expectations, chores and all the other things that come up in life. I want you to know that I’m here for you in those tough times. If you need a break sometime, turn in this certificate for a week of not doing your monthly chores. (only one child can hand in theirs at a time)
Being YOUR mom makes it a happy mothers day! I love you!!

****
I think about my kids often, who they are, who they're becoming, so I think I'll write a little about each of them.

Andrew

Definetly the most difficult baby I had- he would wake up in the night and want to stay up on and on and on. He was also the most strong willed as a child- "no" meant little to him, as I must say it is about the same today. I remember having to double stack gates so he wouldn't come out of his room at bedtime, and time out, meant I had to sit and hold him there, as he did not feel compelled to have any reason to sit there- even if his parents told him too.

Andrew had a sense of humor as a child and still has that very strongly today. He is hilarious!! I can't even explain it, things come out of his mouth so quickly that are just so funny.

As I said Andrew still doesn't agree with "no", unless he agrees with what you are saying. He may understand the need to show respect, but is surely not going to take anyone elses word for what he should do. He is a deep thinker.

I love that Andrew and I can discuss books together and have intellectual conversations. He has great musical talent (did not get any from me!) and an interest in history. He still gives me hugs and inside his teenage mind and body, hides a fun loving boy.

I love my Andrew.

Whitney

Probably my easiest baby. Mild. When she was little she was the kid in preschool that they were afraid would "get lost" in school, quiet and shy. It's funny, but she can pinpoint herself when that changed. 3rd grade- Miss Faktrowitz's class. A group of kids in that class, that probably started Whitney on the path to who she is today- a social butterfly. There is nothing in the world more important to her than her friends. She spends time, time and more time with them. When she is denied the chance to be with them, you would like the world has come to an end. I'm glad that she can build these friendships (although yes, sometimes it really drives me crazy), because I always had a hard time making friends.

She is creative, artsy, has a little bit of drama and thinks too. On her bedroom wall or on her computer screen she often has quotes often about living your life to its fullest, doing what you want. I just went into her room and this is what I found : "Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." ; " I have found that if you love life, life will always love you back.", and " Let's find some Beautiful place to get Lost". Those really show a bit who she is. Right now on her wall is also 3 full size chalk drawing of her and 2 friends.

She is tenderhearted and kind, a nice big sister to Jayna and probably Andrew's best friend.

I love my Whitney.

Jayna

"Eat mouse then" and " how you know this" are two things Jayna is known for saying, both when she was little. We had a toy mouse for a cat once, and Jayna was little and frustrated ( I don't know why)and she threw the mouse and said "Eat mouse then!" and she always wanted to know " how you know this."

Jayna still loves hugs and cuddling,(usually), I hope that lasts! She is sweet and kind and wants to please her parents and teachers. She can be very timid initially, but once she warms up to her you may just be her best friend! She also has a sense of humor.

She thinks a lot and often works very hard on her school projects. For a long time she was determined to be the first astronaut on Mars, although I think that passion may be slipping some. She loves to play games and will often play them with her pet shop pets or stuffed animals if she gets no takers here.

I love my Jayna.


I am blessed to have 3 wonderful children, and a great husband to help me raise them, although sometimes I know they are raising me too.

Just Read: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society- I really liked it.

And so it goes...