Well, it has been FOREVER since I've been on here, but my blog is still here.  Yay!  Glad it didn't vanish or something.

Last night I had some interesting dreams and I still remember bits and pieces so I thought I'd get on here and put those down before I forget them.  Nothing earth-shattering or anything, but still, might as well.

At one point I was in a car with several other people (no, I don't know who) and we were driving on some sort of elevated road (highway?) and I turned to look out my window (front passenger side).  I saw that though the ground had green grass so I knew it wasn't winter, there were large areas of white, like snow.  I realized after looking at it for a minute that it was all bird feathers.  It was really pretty, though strange.  I called out to the others to look at it.  Then I saw that there was a small bird flying outside the car and rolled down the window.  It flew into the car and landed in my lap.  I had a red shirt on and I looked down in time to see the bird sort of roll down into my shirt, where it had turned up a bit at the hem.  It was either trying to cuddle in or was unable to get out, but either way I picked up the shirt hem and managed to open it enough to show the little bird.  (I even remember at one point it used it's beak and made a small hole in my shirt.)  When I did that, it made a chirp that sounded just like it was saying "mama" and I said "did you guys hear that?!  It said Mama!" Then I turned it back to the window so it could fly out again, which it did.  That's pretty much all I remember of that sequence, but I just wish I could put the picture in my mind of that green grass and the large areas of white feathers on paper to show.  I'm not a good enough artist though.  (sigh)

Another part I remember is that I was in a house somewhere with relatives and we were looking at pictures (which is something we do a lot in my family).  In one there were several of us and I remember looking at myself and the fact that I had on white socks and that I wasn't happy with that and wished I hadn't been wearing those socks.  Then there was someone else in the picture and I took a red marker and wrote next to her the name "Doro" because that was what we called her (and no, there is no one by that name that I know of in our friends or family), but then decided I should write out Dorothy as that was her full name.  She had short, dark, curly hair.  I don't remember who the 3rd person was in the photo.  I just remember vaguely that we were talking about the people in it.  I don't even remember who I was talking to at the time.

I'm not sure if this was at the same house or not, but I remember at one point that there was someone at the house next door to where we were and I went to our window and looked out and realized it was the pastor from a church I went to when I was younger.  I then opened the door and went out to talk to him for a little while.  He was there to visit someone next door (wooden frame houses, multi story, with stairs on the outside of the houses - not like anything we have around here really), but they weren't home.  I'm sure there was more to it, but that's all I remember.

Then it switches to one of the dreams I have sometimes that is more like watching a movie because I'm not in it and no one I know is in it.  There was a younger couple that had been dating and the guy was going to ask the girl to marry him and she knew he was but for some reason had gone off in some tirade at him.  Then later she was sorry about it and tried to make up to him and get him to ask her to marry him after all.  I have a vivid image of him and a friend standing there while she is singing (yes, singing - a musical?) to him and then she goes back to her room to wait for his answer.  No, I don't know why.  Seems a bit melodramatic, but oh well... Anyway, I guess he eventually forgave her and they got back together because then they were planning the wedding.  Don't remember much else about that one, I think.

Another segment that I do remember, but don't think it was related to that part, is that I was again in a car with other people and driving through a countryside with some small hills and fenced areas.  This time I looked out the driver side window (I don't think I was driving, so I may have been in the back seat) and saw a huge herd of bison running down the nearest hill toward the fenced area.  I again asked the other people in the car to look out and see it, but I guess we had gone too far for them to see the bison because by the time they looked out all we could see was a large "pride" of lions.  They were darker brown than usual and there were multiple males with the large manes.  So the others said "that's not bison, those are lions" and I said "No! What I saw back there were bison!  I know the difference between a bison and a lion, thank you very much."  So, I wonder now what my thing was with large herds/flocks, etc. of animals last night.  We didn't watch anything yesterday with anything like that in it.

Then there's an odd little part in there that I have just vague memories of and it was again more like watching a movie as I don't remember myself actually in it.  I just get mainly a feeling that it was some sort of crime drama, and I remember at one point someone named Jonas coming into the room and there being a sense of surprise from the person in the room (a female possibly) that it was Jonas, so I guess maybe he was an unexpected bad guy?

Another fragment of dream that I don't know if it's from last night or is just stuck in from another night has me going around trying to get food from a particular place and the lines being long, and then deciding to go somewhere else instead and just a general sense of frustration with everyone.  I hate when I have dreams like that where everything that can go wrong does, because then I just wake up feeling frustrated and upset.  I get enough of that during the day without having it in my dreams, but really I guess I do get that feeling a lot, like arguing over the bison/lion.  Again, I just wish I could get the vivid images that I do have onto paper, like the bison running down the hill, or the lions looking at the car as we drive by.  Oh well...that's about all I can remember right now, but if any other snatches do pop up I'll try to add them.  Of course, it'd be easier to remember them and write or type them down as soon as I wake up, but I've usually got at least one little one talking to me as soon as I open my eyes.  And I usually wake up because of at least one of them poking me to wake me up.  (sigh)  Speaking of them, I'm going to go see what they are up to as it's entirely too quiet.  But it's nice to get back on my blog again after so long.  ;)

Thanksgiving 2011

 My friend asked me how my weekend was going so far.  Thought it'd be easiest to copy and paste the message I sent her, then just change the names and maybe make a few edits:

Well, Thursday we went to his parents for lunch (my hubby) - ended up not leaving till about 9 - though he'd said he wanted to be out of there about 6:30! Ha! (this is typical - he wants to leave early, but then he keeps talking) Anyway, it was good (my MIL is a good cook so it's always a good meal). I took my sewing with me and got Mary finished and Joseph started. I may actually be able to sit the Family out this year (a stuffed nativity set - for the kids - or by the time I actually get it done it may be for my grandkids!). Possibly the shepherds can join them by next year. But they'd better not hold their breath! It was a simple cut, sew, stuff project, but I couldn't leave it like that so I decided to embroider (very simple stitch) and add some beads around the edges on the fronts. You'd be surprised how much time that adds when every time I touch them the girls come running "we want to sew!" so I put mine aside and get the felt out for them (I watch the sales at Hobby Lobby to get the felt pieces from the craft area when they are on sale - or clearance after the holidays, got some cool ones with glitter after Christmas last year). Yesterday only one did that (my youngest - who made an alien superhero of the future out of black glittery felt - I "made" a cape from a blue piece by sewing on a snap closure and a large button of her choice to cover it on the outside) so I got the two parents done. My MIL said she'd sew the pieces all together for me if I get them pinned and bring them over, but I have the feeling it'd still be faster for me to do by hand than to find her sewing machine!  (she's as much or more of a hoarder than I am and they are still trying to find things from when they moved a few years ago) Anyway, it was a decent day and I got to do something I liked while there.

Yesterday my DH did some online looking but we stayed home all day and avoided the crowds. I only got out to go get some Sonic for lunch (I love the mushroom 'n swiss toaster!). We just relaxed all day and then watched the last Harry Potter last night with supper. My youngest cried and then didn't want to go to bed because she was afraid we'd be gone when she woke up. Poor little one! So, she curled up on Daddy while I finished outlining my only nephew's dinosaur stocking with fabric paints and glow-in-the-dark paint.  Awesome, if I do say so myself. (Note: gave it to him Saturday when my family got together and his mommy - my youngest sis - loved it and said she was sure he will too - he's not even one yet so he can't exactly express his appreciation yet.)  My girls liked it anyway and thought the glow paint was wonderful so now they want it on the stockings they are making for themselves (HL had some white stockings with pre-printed patterns like dinos, ballerinas, etc. and I had fabric colors and paints so fun decorating time!)

Slept in for a while this morning (9) then got everyone showered and hair done, etc. and got ready to leave for Mom's. She wanted to take photos of the grandkids with Christmas stuff. So, we got some in the regular shirts and jeans/skirt (my middle one doesn't like jeans) then Oldest and Middle got into some pretty dresses for a few pics, as well as my brother's girls. Mom got some cute pics, and I was the photo assistant - tiring job! We got some cute ones of my other sister's daughter and my nephew as well. He was a doll and I had a blast playing with him tonight. The girls did too. He is so good-natured and laid-back. We ate at a buffet first, and it was PACKED with a group from the Dallas area that was traveling through and decided to stop there, but it worked out as we got in before most of them showed up. Then Oldest and Middle got to help Mom make some cookies so they were happy. I think Youngest was going to help but got her hand slightly burned on the oven so she backed out of doing more. Then my brother's youngest was being so sweet and playing with me till her sis popped her in the eye with a fake flower, then she came and curled up on me till she quit crying and then still wanted to sit with me for a while. Nice. I cuddle any time I can. She also loves my DH so she went and sat with him for a while and she just laughs the whole time. Pretty sweet. So, now we're back home and snacking before bed, then tomorrow to rest and get ready for school again.  (that was Saturday night)

Sunday we slept in again - I got to sleep till 11 curled up in the recliner with my youngest.  The DH woke up about 10, but stayed in the bedroom and watched TV there.  The oldest one played quietly with her toys and on the computer till I woke up.  The middle one woke up just before I did.  We basically just stayed home and messed around all day.  I took another nap for about 3 hours this afternoon.  I'm just so tired all the time.  (sigh)  Anyway, need to get some pics myself of my girls so I can get Christmas cards out.  Seems like I just sent them out and now it's time again.  Oh well...one more holiday down and now I can start the Christmas music.  ;-)

Parents are misunderstood

This is handed out by some of the teachers at my childrens' school each year and I felt that I needed to share it as it is very moving (one year I was asked to read it to the other parents and I could barely keep from crying, even though I'd seen it before).  It is a good reminder of a lot of things we take for granted but children don't.

Being Misunderstood

You thought you were happily smiling at your child from a hard stadium seat or a hot, packed auditorium, but your child looked at your face and saw approval of him and joy in what he was doing.

You thought that you were just patting him on the back, or on the head, or just ruffling his hair, but your child cherished the warm, loving touch and his heart was brightened.

You thought you were reading a bedtime story with all the funny and scary voices, but your child enjoyed the fact that you read every word, even though he had heard them a thousand times before.

You thought you were singing silly songs, or counting the cows on a long trip home, but your child learned that it was fun being together, no matter where you were.

You thought you were spending a few minutes of your time by throwing a ball in the back yard or baking some cookies, but your child, who realized that your time is precious, knew you were investing it in him.

You thought that you asked your child's opinion about something that wasn't too important, but your child thought you asked because his opinions and thoughts were important.

You thought that you were being a good host by inviting your child's friends in for a cool snack on a warm summer day, but your child knew that his friends were important to you and always welcome in your home.

You thought the tears in your eyes went unnoticed when your child accomplished an important goal in his life, but your child knew that he was deeply imbedded in your heart, and you sensed his accomplishment.

You thought that the refrigerator was as good of a place as any for hanging all the art work and "well done" papers that came home from school, but your child felt important when he came home from school each day with something to show you and tack it up in his personal hall of fame.

You thought you gave your child some simple chore or job to do and told him, "Well done," with a smile when he did it, but your child learned responsibility and began to realize he could tackle even tougher things.

You thought you were helping a troubled, restless child get some sleep by fixing a cup of hot cocoa, but your child felt that you were opening your heart around a kitchen table and making all the problems a lot smaller.

You thought the vacation wasn't much of a success because the fish didn't bite and the sun didn't shine, but your child still remembers everything that happened and he still laughs at all of the funny parts.

You thought you were just pointing out the words in the church hymn book with your child's finger as he tried to sing along, but your child learned that singing praises to God in worship was important.

You thought you were just giving him a quick hug at a special moment or "just because", but your child carried it with him for a long time, because what you really said was, "I'm proud of you", or "I love you!"

You thought you were just giving him a little kiss on the cheek to tell him good-bye as he left for school, but your child felt warm and loved because he knew there would be another one waiting for him when he got home.

Come to think of it, there are a lot of times when parents really are misunderstood!!

Researching non-readers

So, I have been a reader all my life.  By 3rd grade I was reading almost high school level books and the teacher had to bring things from home for me as there was nothing in our school that kept me interested.  I "borrowed" books from my parents and grandparents, went to the library frequently.  I'd even read the encyclopedia set my parents had "for fun".  For detention later at the private school I attended, they would assign words for us to look up and copy the entire definition of from the Webster 1828 dictionary.  (The inside joke was that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" did NOT apply to the 1828.  That thing was huge.)  Others would groan, I would complete the words assigned and then continue reading at various points, again "for fun".

Now, I'm not trying to brag about how well I could read, but to give some background into why it never occurred to me that other people could not read as well and did not enjoy reading.  As I got older I would hear people say that they didn't like to read and I would wonder how anyone could NOT like it.  Mainly because, for me, the words would melt away and I would be immersed in the story to the point that all I saw was the images forming in my head and playing out like watching a movie.  I knew what the characters looked like, their surroundings, even their voices were something that I heard.  It was wonderful, an escape from reality whenever I wanted and a chance to experience other places and meet other people on a regular basis.

On the other hand, my Dear Husband does not like to read.  We've known each other close to 25 years now and I've not known him to willingly read a book.  He's always claimed they bore him and he gets nothing out of them.  That just astounded me.  He couldn't even get through one for his classes at college unless I read them outloud to him while he would close his eyes and just listen.  He'd always remember the stories so I knew he was paying attention.  In class I would take copious amounts of notes, but then rarely need to refer back to them as I'd remember them from the writings.  He would take almost no notes, but just lean back and listen with his eyes half closed, and he'd remember everything just as well as I did.  So, I thought it was just the whole different ways of learning thing - auditory, visual, kinetic, etc.

Then we had children.  Our oldest has had problems with reading from the first.  Not that she can't read.  She can read very well.  She can tell you all the words, and even read with good expression in her voice.  However, she hated reading books herself and always wanted me to read them to her, or get them as books on CD for her to listen to.  I talked to her 2nd grade teacher, which is when they started really pressing the children to read a minimum number of minutes per day, etc.  She said it was fine if I read them to her, or if she listened to an audio book.  She would allow them to count towards the goal.  That helped a lot.  There was more pressure as she got older, but we'd work with the teachers and manage to work things out each year.  Now, in middle school, they don't have the daily required minutes but they do still stress for the children to read as much as possible.  They have to have a library (or personal) book with them at all times to read during any down time.  It has been increasingly an issue for us.  Which led to more discussions, first with my DH, then with my daughter, and now I'm doing some research via friends and family.

What I have found in talking to them is that there are people who love to read "for fun" and the consensus is that they lose themselves in the story and picture it much as they would a movie.  It's hard for them (and me) to read a book then see the movie as it never matches our mental image and can almost be painful to watch.  The characters don't match up and the voices are all wrong, etc.  My husband said he imagines from talking to me about it that it would be like the Duke cousins, Coy and Vance, being passed off as the actual Duke cousins, Bo and Luke.  You'd know it was all wrong, no matter what people tried to convince you of.  I retorted that for him to really get the point he'd have to imagine the Wiggles being dressed up and singing Van Halen songs.  Completely and utterly wrong!!!  This was especially hard for me a few years ago when they made the movie Sahara based on the Clive Cussler book.  I've been reading those books since I was about 8 years old and as much as I like McConahey and Zahn, they were NOT Dirk and Al.  If I know they are making a movie based on a book, I avoid the book like the plague until after I see the movie (like I did with all the Harry Potter books).

Anyway, I found out from my DH, then my daughter, that when they read they see words.  Just words.  No mental images while they are reading the words.  My daughter said if she reads a few paragraphs, then stops and closes her eyes, she can sort of make herself visualize what she read.  But not at all while she's reading the page.  However, she loves books that have images, like Garfield, Baby Blues, graphic novels, etc. and I think it's because then she doesn't have to make that mental transition from words to pictures.  It's there for her so she can just enjoy reading the words and seeing the pictures.  I have talked to reading teachers and librarians and they seemed totally surprised that anyone would have that sort of a problem.  Which led me to wonder even more about it.

Then last night, while attending the parent night at the elementary school, one of the kids teachers made the comment that she asked how many of the kids love to read and they all raised their hands.  Then she said "be honest" and asked again.  About a third put their hands down.  Then she said "how many would rather go to the dentist than read a book" and said several actually raised their hands.  Now, this was very interesting.  Then she basically said that they would work with the kids on finding books in their interests and their reading range to help them learn to enjoy reading more.

The problem I see with that is if they are like my DH and my daughter, it wouldn't matter if it was their favorite subject in the whole world, READING about it would not do a thing for them.  So, I came home, discussed it again with both of them, then started researching the web.  All the articles I could find that were even close just talked about people who say they can't visualize and teaching them that everyone can visualize.  My DH and daughter both have very vivid, lively imaginations.  Visualizations in general are NOT the problem.  They can visualize things, just not WHILE they are reading.

This morning I started asking friends and family, and asking them to then ask other friends and family (I have one friend that is a teacher and she is going to ask her students) the following questions, and I will keep you posted on the answers that I get:

To all the NON-readers - when you do read, or have been forced to read, do you see any visual images from the words? Or does it just stay a page of words, so you lose interest and give up?

To all the readers out there - when you read, do you lose sight of the words on the page and it automatically translates to a visual image in your head? Sort of like watching a movie of it?

Anniversary Vacation Week - very long post!

So, ending of another Anniversary Vacation Week - or as the kids say - their Special Days week.  Each year around our wedding anniversary the DH takes a week off from work - so he can end up doing way more work than if he hadn't taken off.  Ha!  It's been 21 years now and since the day he first said "I do" he's been wondering "What did I do?!?!"  Just kidding.  He's still my sweetheart and I don't want to ever think about him not been around.  He's really good to me and he's a super Dad.

This week we started off with the day where we keep all 3 kids with us to do things together.  We went to a pizza/arcade place and spent $100 to come away with so-so food and come trinkets they "won" with their tickets.  Oh well... at least they enjoyed themselves and got to play some games and ride some rides.  I rode the bumper cars twice with the younger two and they got a kick out of it.  The oldest takes after her dad and can't do rides that spin so they went and played mini-golf instead.  I got to play some ski-ball, which is my fav, and they got to play air hockey (the middle child tries to cheat!) and ride some virtual rides (I rode one with the youngest and let's just say I'm glad it was a while after I ate or I might have added some additional realism to that ride!).  After we left there we took them all to see Captain America and that was really good.  We all liked it and can't wait to see The Avengers.

The next day his mom and sister took two of the girls while we took the middle one out for her "special day".  This is basically a day when we spend time with that child one-on-one going where she wants to eat, doing some shopping (fun and for back-to-school) and she gets to have us all to herself.  They all look forward to this each year.  The other two stay with his mom and aunt and they usually go eat and try to do something with them, so it just adds to the memories all around.

So, anyway, we took the middle one first and she wanted to eat at Fazzoli's for lunch, which was OK except they messed us over on the order (and didn't even apologize for it) and they don't have just regular iced tea anymore which is a problem for the DH as he doesn't do pop at all so it's only water and tea for him.  He hates the "pre-packaged" tea they use now.  I like sweet tea and add enough sugar to any tea and it can drown out any "wang" from the tea.  But she was happy with her pizza and spaghetti so we just dealt with it.  Then it was off to do some shopping.  Got tons of new clothes for school.  I know as they get older the clothes mean more, so we found some good deals and have her set without breaking the bank.  Then on to toys.  They all love the Webkinz, so she got a new one of those.  A Pink Chihuahua, to go with the tan one she already has.  She has the whole "family tree" of all her "pets" worked out, so this one is the other's Mom, and thereby Grandma to the little dog that was that one's daughter.  I think the tan one is married to her otter ("Er"), but don't quote me on that.  I loose track.  She also got the remote control Littlest Pet Shop car that she just had to have, though she donated the accompanying chinchilla to her younger sister, who doesn't have as many LPS toys (though I think she'd have more if her older sisters 'fessed up to taking them!).  Of course, the highlight of her day was going to the local pet store, which is very kid-friendly and lets them come in and hold/pet the animals without pressuring you to buy one.  With the DH's allergies, dogs and cats are a no-go but at least they get to pet them.  She held some little fluffy golden puppy that tried to jump out of her arms and go after a HUGE dog that was in the other side of the shop, which has a vet office.  Thankfully I caught it before it jumped down!  ;-)  Unfortunately for me, the DH spotted a little green lizard and he knows I love lizards so he called me over to see it.  Now, he swears he did not see what was in the next cage, but I wonder.  The whole place heard my shriek as I spied the big, hairy, brown tarantula!!!  UGH!!  But I forgave him (sort of) and we left quickly after that.  The day ended with snacks (pretzels for us and chocolate brownie ice cream for her) and picking up the sisters at Grandma's.  Whew!

The next day was the Oldest Daughter's turn.  We already knew what she wanted for lunch.  It was just figuring out what else to do with her.  First we went to the local crafts/art supply store.  Whenever I take them there they bug me about tons of stuff they want so I took plenty of coupons so we could each get one thing and get the 40% off per item.  Well, she got some things there, but one didn't even need the coupon and the other two were not particularly art supplies.  One was a princess figurine in a pretty blue dress, and the other was a set of mechanical pencils, which could be used for art, but still... when they constantly bug me for things like paint sets, clay, etc. when we go there it's frustrating that she only gets those two things.  (Turned out OK for me though as the DH used the last coupon to surprise me with the nativity set that I've wanted for about 5 years but they never had in stock till this year - Happy Anniversary to me!)  Then off to her fav restaurant, Cracker Barrel, for lunch.  She loves the mac&cheese and the hashbrown casserole.  So, we got her the big veggie plate and 3 of them were the M&C and the fourth was the casserole and she ate all of it, plus some biscuits.  Funny because she's so skinny and the waitress was like "I didn't think she could eat all that!"  Of course, she burns it off fast as she's one big bundle of nervous energy.  She also got a new Webkinz herself while there - a VERY SOFT pink and white dog that just looks happy all the time.  Too cute.  Then it was on to the mall and another store for clothes shopping, which she hates but put up with so she could go look at the toys.  She claimed to want a LPS playset, but I think that was just to bug her sister.  Then a Ken doll, but the hair on the Ken dolls these days is atrocious - give me the good ole plastic do for Ken anyday over the poofs of hair they do now!  So we went to ToysRUs and looked at everything there.  I finally said "what is it you really like to DO?!" and she said she really likes Playdo.  So, we got the Playdo dog that has all kinds of shapes to mold, and then her Daddy sprung for an extra box of 36 different colors of Playdo so all 3 girls can use it.  Then back to the pretzel place for snacks (I could go daily - love the Garlic pretzel!) and she got the cinnamon sugar nuggets.  Then off to pick up the other two again.

The next day was interesting as the oldest child had some health issues that morning, but we got it worked out and got her dropped off with the middle one at Grandma's.  My recommendation was to have a fairly quiet day, which was fine with Grandma and Aunt.  ;-)  Then off with the youngest for her "special day".  She wanted a new Webkinz since the other two had each got one on their days, and so now they each had 4 and she only had 3.  What she didn't know is that we had already got her one for her upcoming bday so we had to think fast to distract her from those.  She wanted to go to the pet store too so we did and she held a couple of puppies but what got everyone's attention the most was when a guy came out of the vet with a HUGE harlequin Great Dane.  That is the kind of dog the DH wants if he ever has a dog so he tried to take some pics but was too far away.  I took the camera, then took the youngest and we got some pics and got to pet him while the DH talked to the owner about him.  A very sweet, gentle dog, which was good as he could have swallowed my child whole!!  She always seems to be the one to see the big dogs.  The VP at her school had a Mastiff for a "grandchild" and her son brought it up one day and I have a cute pic of my little girl next to it.  Then it was to a fav corn dog/root beer place for lunch.  Actually, she had a hot dog, but they are known for their corn dogs and I ate there a lot when I was a kid so it's nice that she loves it so much now.  Awesome root beer in a mug!  Then we hit the store for toys/clothes and got her decked out with some new shorts - she has plenty of shirts already.  When we got to the toys she spotted a Capt America shield that shoots foam discs (and they really do go a long way!) and immediately put it in the cart.  She looked at all the other toys, including the LPS (which she got one of), but nothing could beat the shield.  Now all she wants is a helmet to go with it.  Not just a mask, but an actual helmet made to look like his.  Then we went to the beef jerky store for snacks, then to see the movie Thor (she LOVES superheroes, if you can't tell).  Finally off to pick up sisters at the end of another fun day.

Lastly was our day, to celebrate our anniversary, even though it wasn't on the actual day.  We got the 3 girls dropped off then he had a haircut so I got him to drop me at the craft store again while he went.  I got the sketch pad the youngest wants for her bday as well as some new metallic paints for me to use.  (I like shiny things!)  ;-)  I also got craft sorter boxes for the girls to use to keep their LPS toys and Bella Sara toys, etc. in.  I have the feeling I'll need to get more of them though as I have the sneaking suspicion that what they have won't fit in one box each.  (sigh)  And of course, since the art brushes were on sale this week I picked up a new pack of them.  The girls have pretty well used up the ones I had, and I won't let them have my good ones so these are a cheaper pack, but not like dollar store quality.  Should be a good compromise for them.  As soon as I can trust them not to mash the brushes (I cringe when they ask to use my good art markers) or leave them to get crusty with dried paint, I'll think of getting them some better ones.  We do a lot of painting crafts so they get used a lot.  I think I need to own stock in the paint companies!  Anyway, he called and was ready to come get me so I went up and checked out.

Then it was off to lunch at Carino's - I had the Italian Chili (which I need a recipe for!) and the Chicken Penne Gorgonzola, which I love.  Also a cappuccino (they didn't even know what a cafe breve is!), but it was good and plenty of the warm bread dipped in the oil with roasted garlic and balsamic vinegar.  Yum!  No room then for dessert and it was so hot still that I couldn't get any to take with me for later.  :(  Then we discussed going to see a movie as we were so full that going to play pool (another fav pastime of ours) didn't seem like a good idea.  Since my idea of fun is antique malls (too "old lady smelling" for him), books (too musty - since I like the old ones best) and arts/crafts (he admires good art but doesn't produce any) I couldn't offer any suggestions but told him to decide since last year we went to the places I liked (as listed above).  I thought he'd want to go to a movie, or electronics store, but no, he wanted to go look at model homes since he really wants us to move to a bigger house.  I've been putting it off because there is so much to do to get ours ready, and the prospect scares me a bit in this economy, but I like to look at homes so I was fine with that.  We went into two models and found out about things like spray-foam insulation (the model with that was WAY cooler), post-tension foundations (which I'm still murky on), etc. and made a list of things to ask my dad about (he's been in the construction industry one way or another for years now).  It was fun and I like to picture us in a brand new, clean, modern home.  Of course, it'll only stay that way if I sell the contents of our current house with the house.  (sigh)  Then it was back to Carino's to pick up a tiramisu (sp?) for me and cheesecake for the hubby, then dropped it at the house first so it wouldn't melt while we went to get the girls.  Gave gifts to the in-laws as some thank you (plus missed bday for one and Father's Day for the other - we've had their stuff but hadn't thought to get it to them - but anyone who knows us is more surprised to get something on time than not) and then home for a relaxing night.  Stopped and got Jack in the Box on the way as I LOVE their egg rolls.  Yum again, then more yum later when the kids when to bed and we got our desserts.  (happy sigh)  All in all, it was a good week and we had fun and enjoyed the time spent with each other and with the girls.

updates

Well, it's been forever since I've posted on here. This winter just really got to me and I drifted into a fog for a while, but coming out of it now. Of course, the heat this summer is enough to burn off any fog. Ughhhhh!! Anyway, the kids are out of school and they've been keeping me busy. I set up new blogs for them so they can post things, and maybe do some "creative writing" this summer. ;-) Sneaky mom thing, huh? Anyway, of course I've got their stuff set to PRIVATE so I don't have to worry about anyone messing with their blogs. And we've been over all the stuff about don't use real names, don't reveal personal info that can lead to you, etc. I get the eye-rolls, but they know I get the last say in what gets posted. So, maybe now that I'm getting on their blogs everyday I'll actually remember to get on mine as well.

My morning

I never know what dire emergencies my beloved little rugrats will come up with. Like the oldest, who was bawling and screaming that she did NOT want to go to school today, but who ended up going because of this conversation:

Her: No, I won't go! I don't want to go today! (accompanied by much wailing and gnashing of teeth)
Me: Are you getting swats from a teacher? (like they still do that anyway)
Her: NO.
Me: Are you getting beat up after lunch today? (not such a joke these days so I did wonder)
Her: NO
Me: Then you have two minutes to get out of bed and get started because I will take you to school in your PJs and kick you out at the front door. Your choice of how you look when you get there, but you ARE going.

So, she stopped crying, got up, got dressed and ready and was only about 5 minutes late. Anyway, I wouldn't have been so hard on her about it but I knew she didn't want to go because of two things:
1) she had been given the opportunity to correct her math test (she had a B) and raise it to an A - and hadn't done so for two days and
2) yesterday her Social Studies teacher told me that she had turned in a map that was not even close to done so it had been given back to her to be completed last night and turned in today so it can go on this semesters gradebook (it will anyway, done or not) and I had asked if she had it and she said yes, in her notebook, in her backpack

Well, she had a map, but not the right one, so I made her finish the one she had and told her she had better go on at lunch/recess and do the other one. So, I guess she thought if she just didn't go today it would all magically blow-over. (sigh)

Then I get back home from taking her and the other two aren't done yet and the youngest is sitting at the computer desk to do her homework she didn't do last night and telling me she can't find the paper she was supposed to have done the night before. AARRGGHH!!

So, this means that I have to go back to having them give me their backpacks as soon as they get in the car, so they don't have a chance to "loose" things before I even know they have them. Except now the middle child has started "forgetting" to bring her folder home in the first place. Well, I consider that to be between her and the teacher. Until she leaves the classroom to come home, there's not much I can do about things. Once she gets in the car, then it's my problem. Ha!

Lunch and recess

So, this morning after getting the younger two into school and helping the youngest ones class inside (they tell these little bitty ones who are just entering the big school to "just follow the class in front of you" from the playground - while all the big kids are cutting through! so I helped my little one and her class get where they were going - and picked up a few others on the way that I knew where they went and who were just wandering the hallways) I had to leave quickly.

Part of the reason I had to get out of there quick is that I seem to always get right in the middle of the things that need to be done (like escorting classes to their rooms). Yesterday, I went to have lunch with my youngest (Y) at her request but they are changing things this year to having recess first and then lunch - which I have long wished for because it broke my heart so see how many kids just threw their lunch out each day and didn't eat at all because they spent their whole 20 min lunch planning what they were doing at recess and socializing - which is only natural since they have to sit quietly all morning. Anyway, they just made the decision the day before school started to make this change so NO ONE was prepared really. Other schools in our district had already made the switch and I think there are some things our school needs to copy. First, they have the kids line up and then give them all hand sanitizer before they go in, which is great, but at one of the other schools I know they installed dispensers along the wall where they come in so they don't have to have someone standing there holding a gallon size tub and squirting it into each set of hands! (One mom was very angry yesterday and when I asked why she said "they aren't even having them wash their hands first!" and I said "a - I'm sure they would let your kids wash their hands if you said that's what you want and b - Have you ever watched when they would send them all to the bathroom to "wash" their hands before lunch?!? They didn't do it - they just stood in the bathroom or hallway visiting. So at least they way they are making sure the kids have as clean hands as they can under the circumstances. Cleaner than before anyway." She still wasn't happy but I think she got my point. I've been up there a LOT as a volunteer at all times of day and have seen a lot of the things like that.

Which brings me back to what I was saying (and I know - you're thinking it's about time!) I ended up helping all the little ones get into the cafeteria and get settled and I opened tons of milk cartons for different kids, fetched napkins and silverware, solved seating issues, etc. And I was just there to have lunch with my baby. She was very good about it though and was content that I sat with her a few minutes because she was too hungry and tired to fuss anyway. ;-) I have to say that they all ate SO MUCH better than I'd seen them do in the past. It was nice, but I think Y at least is going to need to take an extra water bottle or something with her as she was still thirsty after drinking the bottle that came with her lunch.

Anyway, after all that I stayed and was discussing all of it with some of the other moms and reassuring them that it would be a good program when all the kinks are worked out and to give it a chance before judging it. By the time we broke that up it was time for M's class to come in so I stood by the outside door to watch for her and then when her class came in there was someone at the other set of doors to dispense sanitizer to the classes going in there, but no one at the doors we were at. The kids said they'd just do it themselves and I said No Way - I could see it going all over the floor (and each other) so I grabbed the bottle and started doing it. Then one of the teachers I knew came around with another bottle that a child in her class has to have because she is allergic to the regular goop and she said "Oh! I didn't know you were signed up to help with this" and I said I wasn't but that since no one else had come I'd stepped in to help. She thanked me, explained the other bottle and took off again. After I'd got all of them in, helped direct the lunch bag crowd, got the others in the right lines for their classes and make sure there weren't any stragglers, I finally went in and got to sit with M while she ate.

So, when I got home I finally had MY lunch (smoked oysters and gorgonzola in flour tortillas - yum!) and thought about why I let myself get into those situations, but I can't just stand and watch while things go crazy. I will say that all that is why this morning I just got out of there quickly. It didn't help that one of the office ladys stopped to ask if I was still helping with Meet the Masters and I said No, not really. I had the lady taking it over this year that she could call me if she had questions but that was it. (I got hit up Tues at info day by the PTO Prez because the new MTM chair demanded a co-chair as she "just can't do it by herself"! and I gave them another name to try as I was not going to let myself get guilted into helping - I did it for two years with no help running it and my youngest was at home halfdays during that time!) The office lady said she wondered because the supplies that I had ordered at the end of last year had been left sitting in the art room all summer (I had emailed the new lady of what had been ordered and what lessons it was all for!) so she had finally moved it to the MTM supply cabinet and just stacked it up there. (sigh) I am NOT going to feel guilty! I am NOT going to feel guilty! ;-)

Kids back in school!

So, all the little ones are back in school. Yesterday was too busy to think about whether to be happy about it or cry but this morning the oldest invoked some tears. The night before their first day I was up till 2:30 then back awake by 6. Of course, I couldn't get started doing things then because the middle child (M) was asleep in her daddy's recliner so I couldn't turn lights on or anything as I don't wake them up till 7. (sigh) I told them last night they have to stay in their beds and not sleep in the living room unless they want to be woke up early. ;-)

So, I was asleep by 10 last night, only got up once, then up at 6:30 to get myself ready before the little ones got up - then the oldest (O) surprised me by being up at 6:45 - I think she didn't take her tablet last night but she was in a good mood anyway - things went pretty smooth with all 3 - had O out the door about 7:35 to make sure we weren't late today (traffic is a nightmare on the road in front of their school - it's only two lanes and it is right during morning rush hour here so it is crazy!) and she was there by 7:50 so she had plenty of time to make it inside - Yay!
She turned to me as we were going in and said "you don't have to walk me in today" and I told her I was so proud of her for doing so well with all this and she said "well, after all, I am a middle-schooler now" and then I said "can I embarrass you by giving you a big hug and smooch in front of everyone?" and she said "bleh!" then we both laughed and then it was her turn to get out and she did and just walked right on in with the other kids! And yes, I cried on the way back to get the other girls. ;-)
So, now I have music on loud and am doing laundry and general picking up so that I don't think too much about it or about the other two - and I hightailed it out of the school after helping my youngest ones class get in the building. ;-)

Half-Birthday

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to my BFF in Texas for the half-bday package I received in the mail. What a great surprise!!! Dark chocolate candy - yummmm, Dark Chocolate Trail Mix - love it, 3 new books from an author I didn't know about but sounds very enticing - yay me!!! Love it! Thanks bunches "Tabbi"!!! ;-)