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

Settling In

We are heading into our 3rd month of calling Alexandria, PA home. And that is what it is starting to feel like "home." We went back to Buffalo about a week ago and I have to say that I didn't feel like I was going home, and when I was in our house there, it no longer felt like home. I can't say that everyone in the family is feeling quite the same way,( and I'll write more about that later) but for Richard and I at least we have found a new home.

It feels more relaxed here, I don't feel like we are keeping up with the Jones's. It feels more like everyone just does their own thing, whatever that is. I love the nature that is all around. The trees, the mountains, all of the water and the wildlife. Richard and I rode the motorcycle the other day and ended up doing a little bit exploring of a nearby state park. It looks like a great place to swim and rent boats in the summer. The kids and I do feel a little weird always seeing people you know, wherever you go around here. It's different- if you go out to eat you'll see a teacher or a classmate. Much more small town feel ( well, duh, huh?) and sometimes I like like I would like to be a bit more anonymous.

I have to say that sometimes I get tired of explaining to people why we live so far out in Alexandria. It's not like it was exactly what we were planning, however, when the time came and with the houses that were available, and the price ranges, and the schools, and a timeline as well as other things- this came down to feeling like the best thing for our family at the time. It can be hard not having things nearby, and I drive 35 minutes to church and about 55 to work. But it has had it's benefits too. Jayna and Andrew have adapted alright, but Whitney has really struggled. My heart aches for her. She is a trooper though and I know she will make it.

Our house is much larger than before, and it's nice for everyone to spread out and have more room. ( Andrew often says it's too big- especially when he is hunting for his shoes!) I love having a formal living room- it is a nice calm space. I was disappointed, but not really surprised, when we had our fireplace inspected and they said it was unsafe to use. However, we found a great candleholder at the thrift store that fits perfectly into our fireplace and holds five small jar candles. It looks great and adds a warm and cozy feel to the room.

Here are a few random pictures:

Baked eyeball casserole- for Halloween of course!

Jayna trying out instruments- she has chosen the trombone and enjoys playing it.

Our backyard

cookout in Buffalo

Jayna dressed as a witch for Halloween.

And so it goes-

Reading now-

Just read- Crime and Punishment- I was hoping for something better as this book ended, but it did make you think. I'm saying maybe 3 stars? I found it to be kind of a tough read-and it took me awhile to get through.

Anniversary

I met him when I was 16, married him when I was 19, today we celebrate 20 years of marriage together. I am overwhelmed today by the tender feelings of my heart. A lot happens in 20 years. We have had some really good times and some really hard times and through all of these times we've had each other. There have been times I've wondered how I could live with him, but mostly times I've wondered how I could possibly ever live without him. Richard is my safe spot, my comfort zone- the person I can be myself with. He lets me be the worst possible me, but makes me want to be a better person. He is always there for me and so non judgemental- often I have felt that he is much better at being a husband than I am at being a wife. Words can't express the feelings in my heart today- I love him and I'm looking forward to the next 20 years.


** Oh and he's patient- the last post wasn't true! I later found out that Jayna had hung the mirror herself on a nail already in the wall.

Reading Now- Crime and Punishment

"Mirror Mirror on the Wall"

It's nice when your husband is willing to do the chores you give him. It can also be interesting and amusing. Last night I told Richard I wanted him to hang a mirror on Jayna's wall. She had seen a mirror I have from the Phillipines and expressed interest in it. Since we've moved she no longer has a door mirror, and I thought this might also encourage good hygiene ( hair brushing) It's a small mirror, maybe 8x14 or so. I went in her room today and saw that yes he had hung the mirror. However- it is very high! I can not look in the mirror while standing on the floor, surely my 9 year old can not either! But Jayna does have a chair in her room that I found pointing towards the mirror- perhaps that was her solution?? The situation gave me a little smile this morning- which is just what I needed- I guess my hubby knew what he was doing after all.

And so it goes...

Reading now : Crime and Punishment by Fydor Dostoevsky