It's been almost seven months to the day since I've posted. But you knew that already, right?
I won't cover everything that happened in the time since I disappeared, it's just too much. Some happy, some horrible - lets just say that life happens. I won't promise I'll post regularly either.
Well, here goes...
Merry Christmas! Ours was pretty good. I threw a party for the in-laws. There were 30 people and it was great. It was also a lot more work than I thought it would be however, if I do it again next year, I'll know what to expect and how to pull it off without as much stress.
My family celebrated at my mothers on Christmas Eve. My brothers and their wife/girlfriend (respectively) along with their children and my husband and kids all chipped in and bought my parents a new LCD television and my younger brother built a custom entertainment center. It was great. My parents hadn't bought a new television since the late '80's!
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day my family was all together under the same roof. This is a big deal because Jake, the oldest, moved out of our home into an apartment in October. I miss him a lot but the quiet that replaced him is pretty nice too. You know I love you honey!
The kids left to go to the in-laws cabin up near Walden on Christmas Night, leaving my hubby and I alone for the weekend. We truly had no idea what to do with ourselves.
We have one last holiday gathering to attend. The annual New Year's Eve party held by our dear friends. I will certainly need it after the final three work days of the year have beaten me to a pulp.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Out of the Will
It's no secret that I don't like my mother-in-law's. I've said as much before. But MIL-1 is now officially out of the will. She's screwed up one too many times and I just can't ever forgive her.
Jakegraduated from high school last Saturday. We sent announcements/invitations to family and friends, just like normal people do. We weren't asking for gifts or money, we were just letting people know and sending them a picture. Nearly everyone came to the party, and those that didn't sent a card or called to congratulate him.
MIL-1? She didn't do a thing. She didn't call. She didn't send a card. She didn't show up. She didn't even send a text message, which is her standard these days. She's ignored my kids for years, only paying attention to them when it was convenient for her. My family is done being convenient.
I've been saying it for a long time, we need to be done with her. Jakes graduation invitation was the last invitation I will ever send.
Good riddance.
On a happier note...
It took me 20 years but I finally got approval from my FIL. What is it with me and the in-laws? I was standing there at the graduation talking to him about the graduation ceremony and party going on around us when he told me that Jake had gown up to be a fine young man and that we had done a great job with him. "And this is a great party, you did a good job."
That was it. Twenty years of approval wrapped up in that one little statement. But that's all it took for me.
Jakegraduated from high school last Saturday. We sent announcements/invitations to family and friends, just like normal people do. We weren't asking for gifts or money, we were just letting people know and sending them a picture. Nearly everyone came to the party, and those that didn't sent a card or called to congratulate him.
MIL-1? She didn't do a thing. She didn't call. She didn't send a card. She didn't show up. She didn't even send a text message, which is her standard these days. She's ignored my kids for years, only paying attention to them when it was convenient for her. My family is done being convenient.
I've been saying it for a long time, we need to be done with her. Jakes graduation invitation was the last invitation I will ever send.
Good riddance.
On a happier note...
It took me 20 years but I finally got approval from my FIL. What is it with me and the in-laws? I was standing there at the graduation talking to him about the graduation ceremony and party going on around us when he told me that Jake had gown up to be a fine young man and that we had done a great job with him. "And this is a great party, you did a good job."
That was it. Twenty years of approval wrapped up in that one little statement. But that's all it took for me.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
20 Years
Today is the 20th anniversary of Michael's death.
20 years ago today, I kissed my baby boys sweet little head and told the doctor it was okay to turn off the ventilator.
Thinking about that still brings tears to my eyes. I wish I could still smell his sweet babyness, cuddle his tiny little self.
After his heart stopped and relatives held him to say their goodbyes, we swaddled him in a blanket, handed his little body over to a nurse, and watched her walk down the hall and out of sight.
I haven't let that scene play in my head in a long time. A piece of my heart broke off and shriveled up in that moment.
Time certainly does not heal all wounds. It eases their severity. But the deep ones? It doesn't ever just go away.
20 years ago today, I kissed my baby boys sweet little head and told the doctor it was okay to turn off the ventilator.
Thinking about that still brings tears to my eyes. I wish I could still smell his sweet babyness, cuddle his tiny little self.
After his heart stopped and relatives held him to say their goodbyes, we swaddled him in a blanket, handed his little body over to a nurse, and watched her walk down the hall and out of sight.
I haven't let that scene play in my head in a long time. A piece of my heart broke off and shriveled up in that moment.
Time certainly does not heal all wounds. It eases their severity. But the deep ones? It doesn't ever just go away.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Fresh Heartbreak
The blogging world has experienced some young losses in the past weeks and it is heartbreaking. I don't know them, I never saw them on the street in passing, I didn't even read their mommy's blogs... It matters not; I ache for them.
And I think of him...
And I think of him...
Please keep the Spohr and Myers families in your thoughts and prayers.
Friday, April 3, 2009
I Could Be A Jewelry Girl...
I found it, for only $10 at Kohls!
So it's fake, but the real thing cost $300, so the decision was easy to make. It's perfect, but I've seen some other pearl necklaces that now I have a craving for a few more pieces.
So it's fake, but the real thing cost $300, so the decision was easy to make. It's perfect, but I've seen some other pearl necklaces that now I have a craving for a few more pieces.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Which Ring?
My friend LJ asked me what the fifth ring of hell was. I've been using that phrase for a couple of years and I honestly don't know where I came up with it. So I looked it up.
The urban dictionary says it's the hell reserved for:
The urban dictionary says it's the hell reserved for:
- Bad spellers
- People who drink decaf coffee...
Tee hee hee...
It's also from Dante's Inferno:
"Wrath and Sullenness (7-8) Like the fourth circle of hell, the fifth circle--presented in Inferno 7 and 8--contains two related groups of sinners. But whereas avarice and prodigality are two distinct sins based on the same principle (an immoderate attitude toward material wealth), wrath and sullenness are basically two forms of a single sin: anger that is expressed (wrath) and anger that is repressed (sullenness). This idea that anger takes various forms is common in ancient and medieval thought. Note how the two groups suffer different punishments appropriate to their type of anger--the wrathful ruthlessly attacking one another and the sullen stewing below the surface of the muddy swamp (Inf. 7.109-26)--even though they are all confined to Styx." http://danteworlds.laits.utexas.edu/circle5.html
I'm not sure I quoted the right ring of hell... Maybe I did. I'll figure it out - now that I know where to find the descriptions of hell.
And how weird is that, since I don't really believe in hell...
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Suckage
Can you say fifth ring of hell? Yeah, that's what the last two days have been like at work. When something fails that I'm in charge of, it's all my fault - and I can't even blame him for thinking that!
Let's just say that I was actually in fear for my job.
It was that bad.
And I feel a little better now but I've decided some time off work is in order. I'm arranging myself a long five-day weekend where no one will wake me up saying, "Mom! I'm going to be late, can you give me a ride?" Yeah, that's not in my plans. Sleeping in until 9 is in my plans, watching too many movies on the couch is in my plans, maybe even taking my youngest son and daughter to the tennis courts is in my plans.
But you know all about best laid plans, right?
Let's just say that I was actually in fear for my job.
It was that bad.
And I feel a little better now but I've decided some time off work is in order. I'm arranging myself a long five-day weekend where no one will wake me up saying, "Mom! I'm going to be late, can you give me a ride?" Yeah, that's not in my plans. Sleeping in until 9 is in my plans, watching too many movies on the couch is in my plans, maybe even taking my youngest son and daughter to the tennis courts is in my plans.
But you know all about best laid plans, right?
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Recession Indicators
Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil the "Light at the end of the Tunnel" has been turned off.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Speechless
This morning I told the hubby that I'd seen a necklace that I'd really like to have. I don't have much jewelry and I don't wear what I have too often. I'm just not a jewelry girl. But this necklace is really simple, classic and timeless. I told him that I didn't know what it would cost but that I was pretty sure it'd be pricey so I'd have to look for one that was 'fake'.
"No, you won't. If you like it that much you'll have to get the real thing."
...
Wow
"No, you won't. If you like it that much you'll have to get the real thing."
...
Wow
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dinner Procrastination
I try to get dinner on the table between five and six every night but I swear, when I don't have a class to run off to, I just don't get it done in a reasonable amount of time. I make meal plans that include enough 'quick' recipes (whatever can be made, start to finish, in 20 minutes) and the rest are meals that take longer because we like it or it's yummy. Tonight is meatloaf and mac n cheese with cauliflower. It should have been nearly done by six but instead, it's 7:30 and we won't eat for another 15 minutes.
I guess the reason is that I'm rushed every other day, I want to relax and take my time. The reasoning is flawed. If I'd just made dinner the minute I walked in the door, even if it was time consuming, I'd still have all the time after dinner to veg-out. But there's no convincing a procrastinator.
The good news is that I'm done with my current training classes this weekend. The bad news? I have two classes starting next month. Two consecutive nights a week I'll be at school and have little time to get dinner going or even see my kids. Once I'm finished with the training I'm doing, I'll be volunteering six to ten, twelve-hour shifts a month. Hopefully that won't start until I'm done with my college classes for this semester.
I'd post this weeks meal plan, but I lost it. Guess it isn't doing me much good right now. Thankfully, I know what we're having tomorrow night. Jambalaya!
I guess the reason is that I'm rushed every other day, I want to relax and take my time. The reasoning is flawed. If I'd just made dinner the minute I walked in the door, even if it was time consuming, I'd still have all the time after dinner to veg-out. But there's no convincing a procrastinator.
The good news is that I'm done with my current training classes this weekend. The bad news? I have two classes starting next month. Two consecutive nights a week I'll be at school and have little time to get dinner going or even see my kids. Once I'm finished with the training I'm doing, I'll be volunteering six to ten, twelve-hour shifts a month. Hopefully that won't start until I'm done with my college classes for this semester.
I'd post this weeks meal plan, but I lost it. Guess it isn't doing me much good right now. Thankfully, I know what we're having tomorrow night. Jambalaya!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Jar Is Bigger
Yesterday was Michael's 20th birthday. I started to wonder if I'd be calling him Mike by now, if he would have gone to college like we would have insisted, met someone special, what mistakes he would have made, how many hearts he would have broken or if his would have been broken. What if... That's how I torture myself.
I had a class last night, a training with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and how they help their victims. The advocate said that someone had once explained their grief to her using the following analogy. Grief is like a ball. For
arguments sake, lets say it's a tennis ball and the life of the person experiencing that grief is the size of a small relish jar - grief fills the jar, the life, and there's no room to move, nowhere to escape the presence of the grief. As time wears on, as some level of healing begins to occur, the jar gets bigger. The grief never gets smaller because it represents the person who is gone and that's exactly how much space they took up. So now my jar, my life, is a five gallon water jug. I have space to live; I'm not constantly bumping up against my grief.
My life is different than it might have been. I accept that and move on. It doesn't mean I love him any less.
Could, would, should, might, if....
But this year was easier. The jar is definitely bigger now.
Let me explain.
I had a class last night, a training with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and how they help their victims. The advocate said that someone had once explained their grief to her using the following analogy. Grief is like a ball. For
arguments sake, lets say it's a tennis ball and the life of the person experiencing that grief is the size of a small relish jar - grief fills the jar, the life, and there's no room to move, nowhere to escape the presence of the grief. As time wears on, as some level of healing begins to occur, the jar gets bigger. The grief never gets smaller because it represents the person who is gone and that's exactly how much space they took up. So now my jar, my life, is a five gallon water jug. I have space to live; I'm not constantly bumping up against my grief.
I thought that was a really great analogy. Years ago I thought my grief was going to be a raw, infected, wound that I would always have. Not so much.
My life is different than it might have been. I accept that and move on. It doesn't mean I love him any less.
Could, would, should, might, if....
Monday, February 2, 2009
Groundhog Day - Six More Weeks of Winter?
Everyone in our house is taking turns getting sick. There's really no way around it either so I've just accepted that my turn will be here before I know it.
In my house, as I am sure it is in many others, I don't generally find myself in bed with tea and tissues when I'm sick. There are things that must be done and I'm the one who needs to do them. I don't however, go to work when I'm sick. My boss will just send me home. There's nothing worse than dragging yourself out of bed when you're sick, making yourself look presentable (or not on the verge of death), driving across town and getting to work on time only to be told that you're too sick to be there - go home, get in bed and get well... Now why didn't I think of that?
I'm not sick yet but I'm so worn down that it's only a matter of time. Meanwhile, I have daily headaches to keep me company. The migraine is looming, it's right around the corner too. Lovely.
I managed to make a list of meals for the coming week, and even 'shopped my pantry and freezer' before making the list. There's lots in there to make meals out of.
Meal Plan - February 1 - 7, 2009 (I still can't get over that it's 2009!)
Today is Groundhog Day and that little rodent has predicted that there are six more weeks of Winter left. Not that I actually believe it but seriously, wouldn't it be nice to think Spring was right around the corner? Right after we saw Phil make his proclamation this morning, Lindsay and I put in the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray. I guess I have movies appropriate to nearly every holiday.
So the countdown begins, six weeks of Winter won't kill me since we haven't had anything nearly as catastrophic as the Midwest and their ice storms. We haven't even had snow for a week or two.
In my house, as I am sure it is in many others, I don't generally find myself in bed with tea and tissues when I'm sick. There are things that must be done and I'm the one who needs to do them. I don't however, go to work when I'm sick. My boss will just send me home. There's nothing worse than dragging yourself out of bed when you're sick, making yourself look presentable (or not on the verge of death), driving across town and getting to work on time only to be told that you're too sick to be there - go home, get in bed and get well... Now why didn't I think of that?
I'm not sick yet but I'm so worn down that it's only a matter of time. Meanwhile, I have daily headaches to keep me company. The migraine is looming, it's right around the corner too. Lovely.
I managed to make a list of meals for the coming week, and even 'shopped my pantry and freezer' before making the list. There's lots in there to make meals out of.
Meal Plan - February 1 - 7, 2009 (I still can't get over that it's 2009!)
- Skillet Shepherds Pie
- Drunken Chicken - calls for rum but I neither have nor like rum so I guess we're just having Chicken. A thinks that's pretty funny.
- Wild Chicken Skillet
- Hamburger Stroganoff In A Hurry
- Meatloaf and Stouffer's Mac N Cheese
- Jambalaya
- Frozen Pizza
Today is Groundhog Day and that little rodent has predicted that there are six more weeks of Winter left. Not that I actually believe it but seriously, wouldn't it be nice to think Spring was right around the corner? Right after we saw Phil make his proclamation this morning, Lindsay and I put in the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray. I guess I have movies appropriate to nearly every holiday.
So the countdown begins, six weeks of Winter won't kill me since we haven't had anything nearly as catastrophic as the Midwest and their ice storms. We haven't even had snow for a week or two.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Our Meals
The month doesn't surprise. It's busy here as always, but at least it's not in a bad way. I began a series of classes last Monday, training for a volunteer position with the County that I've been interested in since October. For the next five weeks I'll be in classes for two hours Monday and Wednesday night and roughly seven hours on Saturday. Classes are draining, not only because of the hours but the topics as well. I'll save that for another time. I don't start school until the beginning of March so I won't be on overload for some time.
Last week I tried several new recipes.
Meal Plan - January 18 - 24
Last week I tried several new recipes.
Meal Plan - January 18 - 24
- Empanadas with Cheese Sauce
- Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa
- Garlicky Potatoes and Sausage
- From Scratch Mac N Cheese with Cauliflower and Chicken Sausages
- Chicken Burrito Bake
We had two convenience food nights so I didn't make two of the dinners I'd planned; they have been moved to this coming week.
Meal Plan - January 25 - 31
- Potato Soup - I made this today, yum!
- Spaghetti Carbonara
- Chicken Fried Steak - still have not pulled these out of the deep-freeze!
- Buffalo Chicken Fingers
- Chicken In The Chips
- Chicken Tostadas with Avocado Salsa and Homemade Refried Black Beans - Encore!
The two cookbooks and website that are feeding us right now are Dinner Doctor, Desperation Dinners (my new addition) and Everyday with Rachael Ray. Without them we'd be eating Mac N Cheese out of a box and Hamburger Helper. Don't get me wrong, I like a box of the orange stuff every now and then and Hamburger Helper is quick but we've reached that point in our lives where we'd rather eat real food on a daily basis. I don't make everything from scratch mind you. My refried black beans are out of a can because that sort of planning doesn't really happen in my house. Half the main dish recipes in Desperation Dinners begin with frozen chicken or ground beef! That's my kind of cookbook.
I've also discovered my awesome stick blender again. Some time back my Magic Bullet died. It didn't actually die though - it broke. The little gear on top of the base - THAT'S MADE OUT OF SOME SORT OF ACRYLIC - broke. It was a very sad day here as we don't own a blender or food processor. Let's just say that I was angry as my previous Magic Bullet died/broke in the very same fashion and Homeland Housewares doesn't sell replacement parts. Any-who... the stick blender I got for Christmas last year has become very handy while I try to decide on the best product to replace my beloved bullet. You can stick that thing in soups, mash beans and potatoes, make smoothies and shakes - nearly any task that a blender can accomplish, a stick blender can do... except crush ice, don't try that. So while I obsess over which kitchen appliance I'll be dropping $100 on next, my $15 stick blender is chugging along making my kitchen existence tolerable.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sleep Eludes Me
I'm supposed to be in bed, asleep. I've been hunched over a computer all day and felt like I needed an early bedtime but it's just not working out that way. I took a hot shower, got in bed, laid down, and knew I wouldn't be able to relax.
The hubby is still at work. He's working on a big conversion that was supposed to be done at three this afternoon but it failed around six tonight and he had to restart it. He probably won't be done until midnight. I don't sleep well when he's not in bed.
I've been working on getting the books ready for the accountant. I don't have everything I need yet so it's a slow process. I've got two months of IFTA done but I can't really even start December until one of our field guys gets back in town. It's so frustrating not having everything I need! I did lots of little things today, nothing special except acting as the HR manager. I've had several requests from employees to get information from the insurance company or help them make changes. I actually love that part of my job. I like helping them and getting their questions answered. I'll probably get my Bachelors and end up in the HR department of some company.
Well, I suppose it's time to resort to boring movies. I can't afford to be up all night.
The hubby is still at work. He's working on a big conversion that was supposed to be done at three this afternoon but it failed around six tonight and he had to restart it. He probably won't be done until midnight. I don't sleep well when he's not in bed.
I've been working on getting the books ready for the accountant. I don't have everything I need yet so it's a slow process. I've got two months of IFTA done but I can't really even start December until one of our field guys gets back in town. It's so frustrating not having everything I need! I did lots of little things today, nothing special except acting as the HR manager. I've had several requests from employees to get information from the insurance company or help them make changes. I actually love that part of my job. I like helping them and getting their questions answered. I'll probably get my Bachelors and end up in the HR department of some company.
Well, I suppose it's time to resort to boring movies. I can't afford to be up all night.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Cookbooks - A Recipe for Stress Reduction
I can feel the stress closing in. And it's the weekend! Yesterday when I got up and began to make coffee I had that all too familiar lump in my throat. I had to consciously tell myself to relax, it's Saturday morning, there's nothing to be stressed out over. I was able to calm down and enjoy the day, but geeze, what is my deal?
To resolve that stress I unconsciously resort to soothing behaviors like reading cookbooks and finding yummy-sounding recipes. I didn't really have to do much work on this weeks meal plan because I came up with more than necessary last week.
Meal Plan January 11 - 17, 2009 (Can you believe it's 2009???)
To resolve that stress I unconsciously resort to soothing behaviors like reading cookbooks and finding yummy-sounding recipes. I didn't really have to do much work on this weeks meal plan because I came up with more than necessary last week.
Meal Plan January 11 - 17, 2009 (Can you believe it's 2009???)
- Tuna Casserole
- Chicken Fried Steak with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn
- Spaghetti Carbonara with coleslaw (because I forgot to make it last week)
- Beef Bourguignonne
- Two For One Noodles (the leftovers are the start for another meal)
- Mock Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna (maybe)
- From Scratch Mac N Cheese
And maybe...
- Corndog Muffins - a super-easy recipe for lazy evenings
I'm dying to get my hands on a new cookbook, Desperation Dinners. I tried to get it from the library but someone has taken off with it and not returned the darn thing. Grrrr! I did get a copy of Desperation Entertaining but it's just not the same. I'll have to go out and buy a copy as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Teen Torture
Oh, for the love of God! My sons are both back in Spanish 1 (don't ask) and IN THE SAME CLASS! They will no doubt torture the poor woman who teaches it, Mrs. H.
Matt joined Jake for the first time today and already they are making Mrs. H crazy. Matt was given a list of class expectations to bring home and have his dad or me sign but they filled it out and Jake signed it in the parent or guardian spot. Mrs. H tried to argue with them but decided it was was no use (smart move). Then Jake complained the whole period about how Matt was distracting him and bet Matt that he'd end up sitting front row center within a couple of weeks. After class, Jake told Mrs. H that she should move Matt to the front because that's where he needs to be - and she told him that she would.
Poor Matt never had a chance - and neither did Mrs. H.
This is the first - and will be the last - class that Jake and Matt have ever been in together. There's a reason for that.
Matt joined Jake for the first time today and already they are making Mrs. H crazy. Matt was given a list of class expectations to bring home and have his dad or me sign but they filled it out and Jake signed it in the parent or guardian spot. Mrs. H tried to argue with them but decided it was was no use (smart move). Then Jake complained the whole period about how Matt was distracting him and bet Matt that he'd end up sitting front row center within a couple of weeks. After class, Jake told Mrs. H that she should move Matt to the front because that's where he needs to be - and she told him that she would.
Poor Matt never had a chance - and neither did Mrs. H.
This is the first - and will be the last - class that Jake and Matt have ever been in together. There's a reason for that.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Pushing My Kids
I have pushed my boys in many different things from schoolwork to sports to playing an instrument and I think pushing your kids to do their best, to be involved and to try new things is good for them and makes them better people.
When the boys started playing football in 7th grade neither one of them did well at first. Jake had a hard time with the discipline and Matt had trouble with all of it. We wouldn't allow them to quit in the middle of the season, they started and they were going to finish, like it or not. Jake found his groove at the beginning of the 8th grade football season and soon was playing both sides of the ball, a much needed and talented player. Matt decided to try it for another season when he began 8th grade but the second round was no better than the first, again he wanted to quit but he'd started and was going to finish. Now both of our boys are great players, are dedicated to football even in the off season, and they appreciate the pushing we did in junior high. They love football.
A similar thing happened when they began playing in the band although Jake had more fun than Matt did. Jake played the trombone for three years and even played in the Jazz Band. Matt on the other hand couldn't settle on an instrument and played the trumpet in 7th and the French Horn in 8th. He decided he didn't want to play in band during his 9th grade year and against my better judgement, let him out of band when he signed up for classes in the middle of 8th grade. By the end of that school year he regretted his decision but they couldn't fit him into a band class for the next year. I learned my lesson: trust your instincts, if you make them finish something, they will appreciate it.
Now that Lindsay is in soccer we've had our battles. She doesn't like the run at the beginning of practices or she may not want to go if she's had a bad day. We ask her months before the season begins if she wants to play again, we talk about soccer as the season draws near, and we make sure she's excited rather than dreading the practices and games. When she gets tired of it mid-season, we remind her that it was her choice to play and that she must finish what she started. At the end of every season she appreciates it.
I'm of the mindset that children need pushing. They should finish what they start and they should be well rounded. Our children know that they have to take two years of a language, play in band through junior high, and be involved in some sport or athletic activity throughout junior high and high school - and keep up their grades of course. I believe in being well rounded and I am making sure that my children are pushed to do the things that I never was not because I'm trying to live vicariously through them, but because I think that if I am capable of providing them with these experiences, I should. They are better for it and won't look back on what they did and be angry with me for not letting them quit.
When the boys started playing football in 7th grade neither one of them did well at first. Jake had a hard time with the discipline and Matt had trouble with all of it. We wouldn't allow them to quit in the middle of the season, they started and they were going to finish, like it or not. Jake found his groove at the beginning of the 8th grade football season and soon was playing both sides of the ball, a much needed and talented player. Matt decided to try it for another season when he began 8th grade but the second round was no better than the first, again he wanted to quit but he'd started and was going to finish. Now both of our boys are great players, are dedicated to football even in the off season, and they appreciate the pushing we did in junior high. They love football.
A similar thing happened when they began playing in the band although Jake had more fun than Matt did. Jake played the trombone for three years and even played in the Jazz Band. Matt on the other hand couldn't settle on an instrument and played the trumpet in 7th and the French Horn in 8th. He decided he didn't want to play in band during his 9th grade year and against my better judgement, let him out of band when he signed up for classes in the middle of 8th grade. By the end of that school year he regretted his decision but they couldn't fit him into a band class for the next year. I learned my lesson: trust your instincts, if you make them finish something, they will appreciate it.
Now that Lindsay is in soccer we've had our battles. She doesn't like the run at the beginning of practices or she may not want to go if she's had a bad day. We ask her months before the season begins if she wants to play again, we talk about soccer as the season draws near, and we make sure she's excited rather than dreading the practices and games. When she gets tired of it mid-season, we remind her that it was her choice to play and that she must finish what she started. At the end of every season she appreciates it.
I'm of the mindset that children need pushing. They should finish what they start and they should be well rounded. Our children know that they have to take two years of a language, play in band through junior high, and be involved in some sport or athletic activity throughout junior high and high school - and keep up their grades of course. I believe in being well rounded and I am making sure that my children are pushed to do the things that I never was not because I'm trying to live vicariously through them, but because I think that if I am capable of providing them with these experiences, I should. They are better for it and won't look back on what they did and be angry with me for not letting them quit.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Meal Plan - Again
I'm trying a few new things this week but there are also old standbys coming. Jake told me not to long ago that I make like eight things really well and I should just stick with that... Wow, I thought I was a better cook than that, and I said as much. He said I rotate the same stuff all the time, not that I'm a bad cook. Thanks.
Meal Plan for January 4 - 10
The boys are back!
They got back from the mountains an hour or so ago and Jake already took his shower and left. Matt is now showered and ready to leave as well. Boy, we just don't rate anymore. They are both trying to fit in one last bit of fun before they go back to school. I guess that's fair.
Meal Plan for January 4 - 10
- Chicken strips and fries
- Tuna Casserole - haven't made this in years.
- Meaty Ziti (but with Penne instead - I just like the name) and spinach salad
- Chicken Fried Steak with mashed potatoes and corn
- Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Spaghetti Carbonara
- Black Bean and Veggie Stack with coleslaw and rice
- Tortilla Espanola and salad
- Beef Bourguignonne
The boys are back!
They got back from the mountains an hour or so ago and Jake already took his shower and left. Matt is now showered and ready to leave as well. Boy, we just don't rate anymore. They are both trying to fit in one last bit of fun before they go back to school. I guess that's fair.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Another Break
I took another unplanned break from my blog. I've thought every day about writing but either never got around to it or couldn't write a coherent sentence to save my life. Anyway, I'm back and hope I can keep going steady through the year... that's not a resolution though. Tee hee hee
As far as resolutions go, I don't like them. I said as much last year but I made some goals for myself. I said I would think positively and I did. Not every thought I had was positive, but I worked on sending out positive energy and thinking in a more affirmative rather than negative way. I feel as though I made progress and I'm going to continue to work on that way of thinking this year... last night I even picked up The Secret, a book I got last January. Yeah, took me a year to read even a single page. I continue to amaze me.
I also resolved last year to be more financially responsible. I kept track of our bank accounts better and paid only one overdraft fee all year - an unfortunate math error was to blame. I hate math. While we're not really better off financially this year, we did a better job all around in paying bills and managing money so that when my Christmas bonus came it didn't get spent on catching up on bills like it normally is. It was a good year. Maybe I'll have to work on a post recapping the good things in 2008.
As I'm sure I've said before, I'm a cookbook addict. I read them for fun, to de-stress, to research new ideas, to fall asleep - yeah, weird. I rarely make a recipe the way it's written; I tailor it to my family's tastes, MY tastes mostly. Anyway, I was perusing Allrecipes.com tonight and stumbled upon a recipe for cilantro lime rice. I love rice, I love lime, I HATE cilantro. I don't know why, it just tastes awful to me, kind of a tin foil taste maybe? Oh, and if I take a bite of something with too much in it (and don't immediately spit it out) my lips go numb. I googled substitutes for cilantro since making lime-rice just doesn't sound appealing. Turns out that lots of people hate cilantro and it either tastes like biting foil/pennies or soap. Wow, who knew? I'm not alone - not even in the lip numbing category! So if you hate cilantro like me, a good substitute (that I can't swear by because I haven't tried it) is a mixture of parsley and celery leaves, and maybe even a bit of mint as well.
Speaking of cookbooks, when I was 17 I bought a cookbook called Where's Mom Now That I Need Her. A friend of mine had one that her mother had bought her and I just had to have it. A month ago my boys asked me separately if they could have my copy when they moved out. My answer, "No, that's my cookbook but I'd be happy to buy it and give you all my recipes too." The day after Christmas we went to the mall to exchange the Crocs Mammoths (in grape and black) we bought Lindsay and discovered that the bookstore that's been there forever is closing and everything was 40% off. And they had one copy of that cookbook - a new release that's been updated since I bought mine almost 20 years ago. I've been looking through cookbooks for easy recipes to add since then.
On to family news. We had a great Christmas. We went to my mothers house with my brothers and their families. We haven't all been at my mom's house for Christmas at the same time in 25 years! I cooked so much in the last three weeks I could feed an army, and I still have tons of food left. Last year I was recovering from surgery and lost 12 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years. This year not so much. I made chili and zuppa toscana for the in-law's family Christmas party, tons of snack food for Christmas Eve, mini quiches and hash-brown casserole for Christmas morning, took a ham AND turkey to Mom's house on Christmas Day, cranberry-barbecue meatballs, artichoke dip, and buffalo chicken dip for the New Year's Eve party. Seriously, tons of food there - and none of it good for us.
The boys went snowboarding at Steamboat the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Christmas, at Winter Park the Sunday after, and are now at the cabin with my in-laws snowmobiling. They're really enjoying this break.
We went to a New Year's Eve party on Wednesday night. Same friends as last year but just us two couples, plus all the associated kids and their girlfriends. I think there were eleven kids total. The adults played Gin for hours, had a blast, and I was sober when I drove home at 3:45 in the morning. I didn't want to experience the same hangover as last year and the hubby was drinking. It's amazing how clear the roads are at that hour, and not a single sobriety checkpoint like I'd expected. I guess most parties ended earlier than ours did.
The kids all go back to school on Tuesday and the hubby goes back in just over two weeks. My classes don't start until March but I'll have two at the same time, no fun. Jake graduates at the end of May, the hubby has changed his degree so he'll be finished in a year and a half and I should graduate this coming December. We're going to be all graduated-out soon. We're moving forward with C graduation plans. We've found a nice place for the party and starting to work on the menu. Decorating, guest lists, invitations and all the other little details will be left to the last minute if I'm not careful. Lucky for me, I'll have the GF to help! Thanks hon.
As far as resolutions go, I don't like them. I said as much last year but I made some goals for myself. I said I would think positively and I did. Not every thought I had was positive, but I worked on sending out positive energy and thinking in a more affirmative rather than negative way. I feel as though I made progress and I'm going to continue to work on that way of thinking this year... last night I even picked up The Secret, a book I got last January. Yeah, took me a year to read even a single page. I continue to amaze me.
I also resolved last year to be more financially responsible. I kept track of our bank accounts better and paid only one overdraft fee all year - an unfortunate math error was to blame. I hate math. While we're not really better off financially this year, we did a better job all around in paying bills and managing money so that when my Christmas bonus came it didn't get spent on catching up on bills like it normally is. It was a good year. Maybe I'll have to work on a post recapping the good things in 2008.
As I'm sure I've said before, I'm a cookbook addict. I read them for fun, to de-stress, to research new ideas, to fall asleep - yeah, weird. I rarely make a recipe the way it's written; I tailor it to my family's tastes, MY tastes mostly. Anyway, I was perusing Allrecipes.com tonight and stumbled upon a recipe for cilantro lime rice. I love rice, I love lime, I HATE cilantro. I don't know why, it just tastes awful to me, kind of a tin foil taste maybe? Oh, and if I take a bite of something with too much in it (and don't immediately spit it out) my lips go numb. I googled substitutes for cilantro since making lime-rice just doesn't sound appealing. Turns out that lots of people hate cilantro and it either tastes like biting foil/pennies or soap. Wow, who knew? I'm not alone - not even in the lip numbing category! So if you hate cilantro like me, a good substitute (that I can't swear by because I haven't tried it) is a mixture of parsley and celery leaves, and maybe even a bit of mint as well.
Speaking of cookbooks, when I was 17 I bought a cookbook called Where's Mom Now That I Need Her. A friend of mine had one that her mother had bought her and I just had to have it. A month ago my boys asked me separately if they could have my copy when they moved out. My answer, "No, that's my cookbook but I'd be happy to buy it and give you all my recipes too." The day after Christmas we went to the mall to exchange the Crocs Mammoths (in grape and black) we bought Lindsay and discovered that the bookstore that's been there forever is closing and everything was 40% off. And they had one copy of that cookbook - a new release that's been updated since I bought mine almost 20 years ago. I've been looking through cookbooks for easy recipes to add since then.
On to family news. We had a great Christmas. We went to my mothers house with my brothers and their families. We haven't all been at my mom's house for Christmas at the same time in 25 years! I cooked so much in the last three weeks I could feed an army, and I still have tons of food left. Last year I was recovering from surgery and lost 12 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years. This year not so much. I made chili and zuppa toscana for the in-law's family Christmas party, tons of snack food for Christmas Eve, mini quiches and hash-brown casserole for Christmas morning, took a ham AND turkey to Mom's house on Christmas Day, cranberry-barbecue meatballs, artichoke dip, and buffalo chicken dip for the New Year's Eve party. Seriously, tons of food there - and none of it good for us.
The boys went snowboarding at Steamboat the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Christmas, at Winter Park the Sunday after, and are now at the cabin with my in-laws snowmobiling. They're really enjoying this break.
We went to a New Year's Eve party on Wednesday night. Same friends as last year but just us two couples, plus all the associated kids and their girlfriends. I think there were eleven kids total. The adults played Gin for hours, had a blast, and I was sober when I drove home at 3:45 in the morning. I didn't want to experience the same hangover as last year and the hubby was drinking. It's amazing how clear the roads are at that hour, and not a single sobriety checkpoint like I'd expected. I guess most parties ended earlier than ours did.
The kids all go back to school on Tuesday and the hubby goes back in just over two weeks. My classes don't start until March but I'll have two at the same time, no fun. Jake graduates at the end of May, the hubby has changed his degree so he'll be finished in a year and a half and I should graduate this coming December. We're going to be all graduated-out soon. We're moving forward with C graduation plans. We've found a nice place for the party and starting to work on the menu. Decorating, guest lists, invitations and all the other little details will be left to the last minute if I'm not careful. Lucky for me, I'll have the GF to help! Thanks hon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)