My new choir friends greeted me last night with surprise and pleasure: "You came back!" they said.... "we weren't too weird for you!" I think they think that because I am from "New York", or elsewhere, that somehow I am used to something more sophisticated or lofty. Maybe because they know I'm Presbyterian--all you Owego choir folks know EXACTLY what I am talking about!
(HAHAHAHAHAHA)
I assured them that I was back because they made me feel right at home. (GRIN!)
My snack further bonded me to the group--I hit the nail on the head--chocolate is the universal language of diplomacy. Amongst New England choir members anyways! I've made my way IN to another group! :) :) Don't worry, I gave credit to my "student advisory board"-- if I didn't mention before, a few students of mine that also sing in the group assured me that Oreos would be the BEST thing to bring for the break. I gilded the lily with the strawberries and chocolate dip, though! (and mom, everyone loved the lemonade... it made them think of Summer.... and it was a good post-oreo palette cleanser!)
It is a busy day for everyone but me and Aidan. Alannah has rehearsal after school until 5+. Scott has a big meeting that includes a late lunch--he told me not to go too crazy for supper--which came a bit too late since I bought a bunch of fish. (they kinda need to be cooked, today!) It would have been my first Friday cooking Catholic for him, but that's ok--we can eat the leftovers for lunch tomorrow, too. Dad had a good idea, but I think we will blow our diet and make the Cook's Illustrated fish and chips. (yyyuuuummmmmmmmm)
I am going to find something fun for me and Aidan to do when she gets home--she will enjoy helping with the fish, and she needs to pick out a hairstyle. We are all getting our hair done tomorrow, and she is in the mood to do something really different. Maybe we will go buy a hairstyle magazine when she gets home... yeah... that's a good idea! :) I have to remember to give her attention. She really seems to crave it, and she doesn't get a lot of it compared to Alannah and everyone else.
Ok, it is lunch time! Which is good, because I am starving. And, I confess, while I gave half of the leftover Oreos to my students, I hid the other half wayyyy up in the cupboard!
;)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
There can never be enough babies in the world!
Well, I have arrived.
I have been offered a "long" term sub job--covering a maternity leave, starting next week. For the moment it is only for one week, but possibly as long as the rest of the school year if a certified English teacher can not be found.
For any of you non-teacher types: being offered a long term sub position is akin to being drafted into the NFL. It's a big deal! More respect, more responsibility.....(more moola!) It is a true sign that the school likes you and trusts you. I am flattered--nay--Floored!
A lot of subs get their "break" covering maternity leaves. (hence the baby comment....) If I do a good job, even if it is for just a week, I'm "in" for sure!
I've subbed for this teacher before--she's been out a lot this year. Her class schedule is not too difficult, and I really like the kids. These are the kids that always ask me every morning who I am in for because I am their "favorite". I wonder how much they will still like me after my "now that I am going to be your "REAL" teacher, I am going to actually expect something out of you" speech?
(ha ha ha)
I'm not sure that she will return to teaching after she has the baby. How hard would it be to become a certified English teacher in Ct?
:)
Ok--I'm off to choir practice with my Oreos, strawberries, lemonade and coffee supplies!
tra-la-la-la!
I have been offered a "long" term sub job--covering a maternity leave, starting next week. For the moment it is only for one week, but possibly as long as the rest of the school year if a certified English teacher can not be found.
For any of you non-teacher types: being offered a long term sub position is akin to being drafted into the NFL. It's a big deal! More respect, more responsibility.....(more moola!) It is a true sign that the school likes you and trusts you. I am flattered--nay--Floored!
A lot of subs get their "break" covering maternity leaves. (hence the baby comment....) If I do a good job, even if it is for just a week, I'm "in" for sure!
I've subbed for this teacher before--she's been out a lot this year. Her class schedule is not too difficult, and I really like the kids. These are the kids that always ask me every morning who I am in for because I am their "favorite". I wonder how much they will still like me after my "now that I am going to be your "REAL" teacher, I am going to actually expect something out of you" speech?
(ha ha ha)
I'm not sure that she will return to teaching after she has the baby. How hard would it be to become a certified English teacher in Ct?
:)
Ok--I'm off to choir practice with my Oreos, strawberries, lemonade and coffee supplies!
tra-la-la-la!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
And AGAIN
More snow and storm coming today! We are getting ready for church, and trying to decide how to approach the trip back to NY this afternoon. Hmmm.
We have had a great week. So many fun things! The only bad thing I can think of that happened was that Franklin got mauled by Coal. Poor Franklin. He lost an eye, and the other eye ended up being mostly detached. Dan was completely traumatized--he was hysterical. It took a couple hours to calm him down. Eventually we were able to reattach his eyes, and wash the dog drool off him, but Dan won't go near him anymore. "He isn't the same--he isn't fixed, he isn't right." Scott thinks maybe this was our "break", and that Dan might be able to give Franklin up now.... we shall see if Franklin goes home with Dan later. He hasn't slept with him for two nights now, and hasn't shown any interest in snuggling him like he usually does. Scott thinks we should call Franklin "Winky" now, much to Dan's further distress. Poor Dan.
My first night with the Laurel City Singers was a lot of fun! I am getting the feeling that when you've been a part of one choir, you've been a part of all of them. It was very similar to other groups I've sung with, and just as fun. There are (the same?) characters every where you go! (wink!) We have a concert June 14th-the theme is Americana, and we will be performing some very ambitious pieces.
****I think all of you in Owego should arrange a bus trip for both Alannah's play the end of March and this concert! We certainly have the room to put all of you up!!!!****
Yesterday we attended the family swim party sponsored by our church at the YMCA. It was fun to hang out with the families and kids we have been seeing every Sunday. After swimming we had a pizza party upstairs, where we were able to watch the beginning of the swim meet between the two local high schools. The kids were tickled that a lot of the Gilbert students recognized me. We saw a number of them this week who said "hi" to me. This was very entertaining for Alannah, Aidan, Susie and Dan. Anyways, I was embarrassed because I was inadvertently wearing the colors of the opposing team.... I had no idea there would be a swim meet that day! Oops! :)
The kids look really cute for church. Wow--one day we didn't have to send them all back upstairs to change! (hahaha)
Susie made a list of things she wanted to squeeze in today before we leave. I think we can do everything except go to Chuck E. Cheese... that is too far away:
1. Church
2. Mc Donald's for lunch, or Dairy Queen for dessert
3. Chuck E. Cheese to play
4. Chocolate Chip pancakes for breakfast
So far, so good! Enjoy the snow today, and pray that we have a safe trip. I think we will take the Southern route along 84 and 17....
We have had a great week. So many fun things! The only bad thing I can think of that happened was that Franklin got mauled by Coal. Poor Franklin. He lost an eye, and the other eye ended up being mostly detached. Dan was completely traumatized--he was hysterical. It took a couple hours to calm him down. Eventually we were able to reattach his eyes, and wash the dog drool off him, but Dan won't go near him anymore. "He isn't the same--he isn't fixed, he isn't right." Scott thinks maybe this was our "break", and that Dan might be able to give Franklin up now.... we shall see if Franklin goes home with Dan later. He hasn't slept with him for two nights now, and hasn't shown any interest in snuggling him like he usually does. Scott thinks we should call Franklin "Winky" now, much to Dan's further distress. Poor Dan.
My first night with the Laurel City Singers was a lot of fun! I am getting the feeling that when you've been a part of one choir, you've been a part of all of them. It was very similar to other groups I've sung with, and just as fun. There are (the same?) characters every where you go! (wink!) We have a concert June 14th-the theme is Americana, and we will be performing some very ambitious pieces.
****I think all of you in Owego should arrange a bus trip for both Alannah's play the end of March and this concert! We certainly have the room to put all of you up!!!!****
Yesterday we attended the family swim party sponsored by our church at the YMCA. It was fun to hang out with the families and kids we have been seeing every Sunday. After swimming we had a pizza party upstairs, where we were able to watch the beginning of the swim meet between the two local high schools. The kids were tickled that a lot of the Gilbert students recognized me. We saw a number of them this week who said "hi" to me. This was very entertaining for Alannah, Aidan, Susie and Dan. Anyways, I was embarrassed because I was inadvertently wearing the colors of the opposing team.... I had no idea there would be a swim meet that day! Oops! :)
The kids look really cute for church. Wow--one day we didn't have to send them all back upstairs to change! (hahaha)
Susie made a list of things she wanted to squeeze in today before we leave. I think we can do everything except go to Chuck E. Cheese... that is too far away:
1. Church
2. Mc Donald's for lunch, or Dairy Queen for dessert
3. Chuck E. Cheese to play
4. Chocolate Chip pancakes for breakfast
So far, so good! Enjoy the snow today, and pray that we have a safe trip. I think we will take the Southern route along 84 and 17....
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Brrrrrrr ja vu
It is storming, again, in case you were wondering.... my Tampa buddy who is blissfully out planting five flats of flowers in sunny 70s today..... (waaaaaaaaaa)
Good thing that we went ice skating this morning, and not this afternoon. I was going to wait until after lunch. Had we been exceptionally smart we would have gone at 9, when it was sunny and clear. We didn't get around until almost 11 and the wind was picking up and the clouds were rolling in as we set off down the hill. Oh well, it was fun for a little while to sail around on the ice. That is how hard the wind was blowing: all we had to do was get out on the ice a ways, and turn the right way in the wind, and we would suddenly zoom across the rink--all the way to the other side. Even I was picking up some serious speed. Although, that may have been because I was tall enough to really catch the brunt of the wind. The smaller kids on the rink seemed like they were able to kind of zip around underneath it all.
There was a little girl there with her grandmas. She was about 3, maybe (early) four years old. The grandmas had brought along a stool and were using the stool as a walker to help the little girl skate. She was the most cheerful little thing, in her purple snow suit and shiny new skates. She very quickly didn't want any part of the stool, not when she saw Alannah, Aidan, Susie and Dan zipping around without one. She lurched off, hobbled along for a few glides and then fell flat on her butt. She got right up smiling and got right back to it. Hobble, fall. Hobble, fall. Hobble, fall. The grandmas (they were good ones) just laughed and let her go--in about twenty minutes she was skating almost as good as any of us. The grandmas were pleased, and thanked the kids for setting good examples for little Alex.
As I said earlier, the storm was blowing in, and I could tell the pressure and temperature in the air was shifting while we were skating. This made the ice shift, and groan, and make very scary cracking noises. There was no way we would be in trouble--the ice is about 20 inches thick, and we were only about ten feet from the shore at the beach where the water is only about 3 feet deep anyways. But..... I have never heard such a wicked sound. (shivers!)
Alannah is at practice from 2-5. We had fun rehearsing her lines and songs while we cleaned up after lunch. (Mom is living vicariously through daughter). I am trying to convince her that she doesn't need such a wacko accent to play Mrs. Potts. Like anyone could, or should try and sound like Angela Lounsberry. She should just sound soft and motherly. Like, yeah, right. This is ALANNAH we are talking about!!!!!!!
Tomorrow night I will get my own shot at lime-light as I am going to check out the Laurel City Singers group. http://www.firstchurchofwinsted.org/LCS.html I also have been invited to attend the Christian Ed meeting in a few weeks to explore some ministry options. I am really feeling excited about possibly developing an adult bible study program at the invitation and encouragement of Tanya, and a (duh, very obvious smack in the head) clear burst of energy from the Holy Spirit. Hmm... maybe feeling another book club coming on?
Wow, it is really snowing out there. In 20 minutes there is already a 1/2 inch on the ground. Snow isn't so bad, but it will start raining around six, and it's all down hill from there....AGAIN.
Good thing that we went ice skating this morning, and not this afternoon. I was going to wait until after lunch. Had we been exceptionally smart we would have gone at 9, when it was sunny and clear. We didn't get around until almost 11 and the wind was picking up and the clouds were rolling in as we set off down the hill. Oh well, it was fun for a little while to sail around on the ice. That is how hard the wind was blowing: all we had to do was get out on the ice a ways, and turn the right way in the wind, and we would suddenly zoom across the rink--all the way to the other side. Even I was picking up some serious speed. Although, that may have been because I was tall enough to really catch the brunt of the wind. The smaller kids on the rink seemed like they were able to kind of zip around underneath it all.
There was a little girl there with her grandmas. She was about 3, maybe (early) four years old. The grandmas had brought along a stool and were using the stool as a walker to help the little girl skate. She was the most cheerful little thing, in her purple snow suit and shiny new skates. She very quickly didn't want any part of the stool, not when she saw Alannah, Aidan, Susie and Dan zipping around without one. She lurched off, hobbled along for a few glides and then fell flat on her butt. She got right up smiling and got right back to it. Hobble, fall. Hobble, fall. Hobble, fall. The grandmas (they were good ones) just laughed and let her go--in about twenty minutes she was skating almost as good as any of us. The grandmas were pleased, and thanked the kids for setting good examples for little Alex.
As I said earlier, the storm was blowing in, and I could tell the pressure and temperature in the air was shifting while we were skating. This made the ice shift, and groan, and make very scary cracking noises. There was no way we would be in trouble--the ice is about 20 inches thick, and we were only about ten feet from the shore at the beach where the water is only about 3 feet deep anyways. But..... I have never heard such a wicked sound. (shivers!)
Alannah is at practice from 2-5. We had fun rehearsing her lines and songs while we cleaned up after lunch. (Mom is living vicariously through daughter). I am trying to convince her that she doesn't need such a wacko accent to play Mrs. Potts. Like anyone could, or should try and sound like Angela Lounsberry. She should just sound soft and motherly. Like, yeah, right. This is ALANNAH we are talking about!!!!!!!
Tomorrow night I will get my own shot at lime-light as I am going to check out the Laurel City Singers group. http://www.firstchurchofwinsted.org/LCS.html I also have been invited to attend the Christian Ed meeting in a few weeks to explore some ministry options. I am really feeling excited about possibly developing an adult bible study program at the invitation and encouragement of Tanya, and a (duh, very obvious smack in the head) clear burst of energy from the Holy Spirit. Hmm... maybe feeling another book club coming on?
Wow, it is really snowing out there. In 20 minutes there is already a 1/2 inch on the ground. Snow isn't so bad, but it will start raining around six, and it's all down hill from there....AGAIN.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A quick note to let you know how much we are enjoying our vacation!
The kids are here and we are having a blast. Everyone has mastered, or remastered ice skating, even me! I haven't done that in 20 years. Susie, especially, is zipping around. Scott is all syked to start grooming her for a big hockey career. How cool to just be able to skip down the road and skim around on the ice for free, whenever we feel like it.
Today we are getting together with our friends Tanya and Tia to play and have lunch together. They have a hot tub, so it was a no brainer whose house won out for the play date! Later this afternoon we will go to Albany and have dinner with Mom and Dad at Andrea's house. (yay--a whole day I don't have to cook!)
Ok, I take that back: yesterday we went out and bought a waffle maker because Susie wanted waffles.... so we did made waffles this morning. Note to self: should have bought the waffle iron with the alarm! Oh well--it does make good waffles, even though we have to watch it for the little light to change.
It has been so nice we have been cooking out on the grill for the past few nights. Ahhh... I've missed that so much. Nothing tastes as good as food on the grill--ok, I take THAT back too since we discovered that Dairy Queen is open again!!!!! It's like all the possible blessings of life are just pouring down upon us!!!!
The sun is out, and it has been so gorgeous. It looks like that won't last, though, since bad weather will be moving our way all too soon. Oh well! :)
Happy day!
Today we are getting together with our friends Tanya and Tia to play and have lunch together. They have a hot tub, so it was a no brainer whose house won out for the play date! Later this afternoon we will go to Albany and have dinner with Mom and Dad at Andrea's house. (yay--a whole day I don't have to cook!)
Ok, I take that back: yesterday we went out and bought a waffle maker because Susie wanted waffles.... so we did made waffles this morning. Note to self: should have bought the waffle iron with the alarm! Oh well--it does make good waffles, even though we have to watch it for the little light to change.
It has been so nice we have been cooking out on the grill for the past few nights. Ahhh... I've missed that so much. Nothing tastes as good as food on the grill--ok, I take THAT back too since we discovered that Dairy Queen is open again!!!!! It's like all the possible blessings of life are just pouring down upon us!!!!
The sun is out, and it has been so gorgeous. It looks like that won't last, though, since bad weather will be moving our way all too soon. Oh well! :)
Happy day!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wii fun, but no wee puppy anymore!
Alannah is doing her Wii fit workout while I write this. She is doing step-aerobics and her Mii coaches are Scott, Dan, Susie, Grandpa and Me. We always laugh when we see Grandpa doing the aerobics. He zipped by me waving while I was doing the Island Lap Jog yesterday. Right now my favorite exercises are the Yoga circuit and Rhythm Boxing--lllooovvvveeee Rhythm Boxing! I am still doing really well with the diet and exercising--going on TWO weeks now!
We just got back from the vet, and our little tiny baby puppy now weighs a whopping 43 pounds. He was only 12 pounds when we got him! It was about a month when the vet saw him last, when he walked in the room he jumped back and exclaimed, "WOAH!!!!!" Everyone there remarked what a nice puppy he was, and how good looking--his fur is very shiny, which I guess is unusual for a puppy who usually has fuzzier, duller looking fur. The vet was very pleased with his behavior and disposition, and how well he was being trained. Kind of like going to the pediatrician and getting a good report, or a parent/teacher conference, I guess! (I'll take it wherever I can get it!!!!)
Speaking of which, the girls' conferences are tonight. For once I don't feel like I have a lot of concerns to bring to the table, since both the girls seem to be doing really well. I am a little concerned about Alannah's Spanish grade, since she only received a D+, and in New York she was getting A+'s in a more advanced course. There have been some rumblings about town that there are issues with the teacher, and Alannah has expressed a lot of frustration with her as far as feeling like she is trying really hard and not getting good grades like she feels she should. We shall see. Scott is coming with me, and he is always really, really good at articulating concerns and asking questions. I always get in there and freeze or babble like an idiot.
Today the girls had a 1/2 day, so we went out to lunch with our friend Tanya. (the girl I went out with before). We went to the same little tea room. That is sooo good! Afterwards we walked down to the little Italian store and bought fresh pasta for dinner. I can't even tell you how wonderful it smelled in that store. It was also the cleanest, loveliest little market I ever saw. The lady was very sweet and friendly. Riverton is definitely on my list of little towns I'd recommend lingering in. Tanya just got back from a two week vacation in Florida. She was all glowing from the Sun. She told me about a few social events for families coming up at the church. There is a swimming/pizza party, a sledding party and a pie social. (oh baby!)
Alannah is hula-hooping on Wii aerobics and doing much, much better than I did. She has five hula hoops going, and did 263 spins. I can't seem to get more than one hoop around 50 times.
I hope you all had some of that gorgeous warm sun that we had all day. Spring must be coming eventually. It is just about 4:30 and it is still bright, bright, bright out. Ahhhhh! I can't wait! :)
We just got back from the vet, and our little tiny baby puppy now weighs a whopping 43 pounds. He was only 12 pounds when we got him! It was about a month when the vet saw him last, when he walked in the room he jumped back and exclaimed, "WOAH!!!!!" Everyone there remarked what a nice puppy he was, and how good looking--his fur is very shiny, which I guess is unusual for a puppy who usually has fuzzier, duller looking fur. The vet was very pleased with his behavior and disposition, and how well he was being trained. Kind of like going to the pediatrician and getting a good report, or a parent/teacher conference, I guess! (I'll take it wherever I can get it!!!!)
Speaking of which, the girls' conferences are tonight. For once I don't feel like I have a lot of concerns to bring to the table, since both the girls seem to be doing really well. I am a little concerned about Alannah's Spanish grade, since she only received a D+, and in New York she was getting A+'s in a more advanced course. There have been some rumblings about town that there are issues with the teacher, and Alannah has expressed a lot of frustration with her as far as feeling like she is trying really hard and not getting good grades like she feels she should. We shall see. Scott is coming with me, and he is always really, really good at articulating concerns and asking questions. I always get in there and freeze or babble like an idiot.
Today the girls had a 1/2 day, so we went out to lunch with our friend Tanya. (the girl I went out with before). We went to the same little tea room. That is sooo good! Afterwards we walked down to the little Italian store and bought fresh pasta for dinner. I can't even tell you how wonderful it smelled in that store. It was also the cleanest, loveliest little market I ever saw. The lady was very sweet and friendly. Riverton is definitely on my list of little towns I'd recommend lingering in. Tanya just got back from a two week vacation in Florida. She was all glowing from the Sun. She told me about a few social events for families coming up at the church. There is a swimming/pizza party, a sledding party and a pie social. (oh baby!)
Alannah is hula-hooping on Wii aerobics and doing much, much better than I did. She has five hula hoops going, and did 263 spins. I can't seem to get more than one hoop around 50 times.
I hope you all had some of that gorgeous warm sun that we had all day. Spring must be coming eventually. It is just about 4:30 and it is still bright, bright, bright out. Ahhhhh! I can't wait! :)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Pics of Dan's birthday
Here are the pics I have for Dan's birthday party. I can't believe he is five! He seems so much more grown up.
It is so warm here--comparatively. Everything is dripping, including the melting ice that is backing up into our master bedroom.....erp..... What is it with us and WATER issues? Top this off with Alannah roughhousing the dog (glad she is playing with him...but....) and smashing my sewing machine to smithereens and exploding coffee all over the (light beige) living room rug and furniture.
Sigh.
Good thing I have the day off for DAMAGE CONTROL.
Hahahahahaha!
It is so warm here--comparatively. Everything is dripping, including the melting ice that is backing up into our master bedroom.....erp..... What is it with us and WATER issues? Top this off with Alannah roughhousing the dog (glad she is playing with him...but....) and smashing my sewing machine to smithereens and exploding coffee all over the (light beige) living room rug and furniture.
Sigh.
Good thing I have the day off for DAMAGE CONTROL.
Hahahahahaha!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Anyone up for a swim?
This is how they raise $$ up here in the sticks!!!!
http://soct.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1838&pg=entry
Can't wait to see this! I think there is a team from the high school. The kids at school were all excited talking about it--we've been hearing about this event since we moved here in July!
We have a really wild day planned, let me tell you! We are going to to the dump (one of my favorite things...Saturday there is a big swap pile to dig through!), then we are taking all the cans and bottles back (Too bad Dan and Susie aren't here...they love this) and then we are buying supplies to make a big pot of sauce for lasagna and upcoming dinners (one of our favorite couple things to do). This should be done just in time to catch "THE PLUNGE".
We are up about ten degrees..... whoooooo!!!!!!!! Twenty more to go!!!! It's going to be serious beach weather by this afternoon!!!! (Comparatively, that is!)
Have a great weekend!!!!!
http://soct.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1838&pg=entry
Can't wait to see this! I think there is a team from the high school. The kids at school were all excited talking about it--we've been hearing about this event since we moved here in July!
We have a really wild day planned, let me tell you! We are going to to the dump (one of my favorite things...Saturday there is a big swap pile to dig through!), then we are taking all the cans and bottles back (Too bad Dan and Susie aren't here...they love this) and then we are buying supplies to make a big pot of sauce for lasagna and upcoming dinners (one of our favorite couple things to do). This should be done just in time to catch "THE PLUNGE".
We are up about ten degrees..... whoooooo!!!!!!!! Twenty more to go!!!! It's going to be serious beach weather by this afternoon!!!! (Comparatively, that is!)
Have a great weekend!!!!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Exercising..... Dieting..... Endless Winter..... BLAHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I am soooo not happy in my little heart. :( :( :(
But, my body is definitely feeling stronger, so I will keep pressing on!!!! It is amazing how much difference a week (it's been a whole week!) of exercise can make someone feel physically. I wonder how much longer for the soul to get in line? :):):)
I am watching Coal making a complete fool of himself. He must have cabin fever as much as I do, because he is never this spazzy. Right now he is climbing over the couch into the bay window. There must be something in there that smells interesting. He just knocked over the plant. (no worries, it's cheap and fake) Now he is attacking something stuck under the table leg. Next up is the bucket we keep all his toys in. Ooop--he's wiggling by the door.... better go out!
....puppy potty break.....
OMG IT IS COLD OUT THERE!!!! Even for Coal. He didn't want to stay out very long, which is unusual for him. I haven't seen the cat downstairs all day, which is also unusual. I most probably will get called in to work tomorrow if there is school. Sometimes they close when it gets below zero (that's FAHRENHEIT) due to how many kids walk to school. At least they will open late. I wouldn't blame any teacher for wanting to stay in bed tomorrow morning.
To beat the Winter blahs, the girls and I have taken some measures, retail style. Nothing says SPRING! like a big bunch of flowers. Stop and Shop had the most gorgeous spring bouquets on sale for 3 for $12. We got Daffodils, Pink tulips and Gerbera Daisies that are so pink we salivated. They are so pretty. I have to take them off the table when we eat because the arrangement is so big. Scott kind of grumbled about the $$, but I've caught him taking a sniff now and then, and everyone smiles when they walk by the vase. I also bought a bubbling foot spa with heated massage. Now that is a NO BRAINER. Scott didn't make one peep about that purchase! (Blahhhh turned to Ahhhhh......!)
The fun FREE thing we did yesterday (gotta get more used to that, Scott says!) was to have our friend Julie come up for a few hours. Julie brought a bag full of fabric for the girls to play with. The girls have been interested in fashion design, so I made teachery comments as they fooled around draping all the cool fabrics over each other with safety pins. After awhile, the girls decided to go through the pattern box. The afternoon developed into a sewing lesson when the girls found a simple handbag pattern. It was a lot of fun for me too, so I am trying really hard to not think about the mess that is sure to linger through the weekend as we finish the bags. (Kudos to all of you with dedicated sewing rooms!)
And.....last but not least, today is Dan's 5th birthday. I talked to him last night, and he was all excited. He is taking cupcakes to school today, and he is also going to register for kindergarten.
Have a warm day!
But, my body is definitely feeling stronger, so I will keep pressing on!!!! It is amazing how much difference a week (it's been a whole week!) of exercise can make someone feel physically. I wonder how much longer for the soul to get in line? :):):)
I am watching Coal making a complete fool of himself. He must have cabin fever as much as I do, because he is never this spazzy. Right now he is climbing over the couch into the bay window. There must be something in there that smells interesting. He just knocked over the plant. (no worries, it's cheap and fake) Now he is attacking something stuck under the table leg. Next up is the bucket we keep all his toys in. Ooop--he's wiggling by the door.... better go out!
....puppy potty break.....
OMG IT IS COLD OUT THERE!!!! Even for Coal. He didn't want to stay out very long, which is unusual for him. I haven't seen the cat downstairs all day, which is also unusual. I most probably will get called in to work tomorrow if there is school. Sometimes they close when it gets below zero (that's FAHRENHEIT) due to how many kids walk to school. At least they will open late. I wouldn't blame any teacher for wanting to stay in bed tomorrow morning.
To beat the Winter blahs, the girls and I have taken some measures, retail style. Nothing says SPRING! like a big bunch of flowers. Stop and Shop had the most gorgeous spring bouquets on sale for 3 for $12. We got Daffodils, Pink tulips and Gerbera Daisies that are so pink we salivated. They are so pretty. I have to take them off the table when we eat because the arrangement is so big. Scott kind of grumbled about the $$, but I've caught him taking a sniff now and then, and everyone smiles when they walk by the vase. I also bought a bubbling foot spa with heated massage. Now that is a NO BRAINER. Scott didn't make one peep about that purchase! (Blahhhh turned to Ahhhhh......!)
The fun FREE thing we did yesterday (gotta get more used to that, Scott says!) was to have our friend Julie come up for a few hours. Julie brought a bag full of fabric for the girls to play with. The girls have been interested in fashion design, so I made teachery comments as they fooled around draping all the cool fabrics over each other with safety pins. After awhile, the girls decided to go through the pattern box. The afternoon developed into a sewing lesson when the girls found a simple handbag pattern. It was a lot of fun for me too, so I am trying really hard to not think about the mess that is sure to linger through the weekend as we finish the bags. (Kudos to all of you with dedicated sewing rooms!)
And.....last but not least, today is Dan's 5th birthday. I talked to him last night, and he was all excited. He is taking cupcakes to school today, and he is also going to register for kindergarten.
Have a warm day!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Finally waking up after all the Super Bowl parties....
Hahahahaha! Just kidding, but that was some game, wasn't it?
Actually, all the parties went really well. Dan seemed very happy with his snake cake, Mom seemed happy with her weekend and lunch Sunday. We all had a great time visiting with each other. Scott and the girls and I stopped at his best friend Pat's house Sunday to watch the game. It was the first time I had met him, and his family are really neat people. Alannah and Aidan had a great time with their son Liam who is exactly Aidan's age. He was really sad when we had to leave. It was a great way to break up our trip home as they live just under an hour from our house. However, it was still almost midnight before we got home. We were sooo tired yesterday! I am glad that I didn't get called in.
I worked today, but it ended up being a half day due to the snow storm. We didn't really get that much snow here, but the school district is very cautious. I covered today for a couple of teachers who were at an in-building workshop. One of the teachers told me that the school would be making up snow days until the end of June at this point. Any more and we would be going into July. (ewww!) At least it has been warmer.
I am happy to report that I am still going strong on both my diet and my exercise program. I finally found a Wii Fit system. Contrary to recent news articles, I think it can be a nice fitness option if used correctly. The exercises are fun and not too over-the-top.
If you are not familiar with Wii, it is an interactive video game system. Instead of sitting and using a hand control, you stand and often use your whole body to control what is happening in whatever game you are playing. You start out by making a little cartoon character called a Mii. The Mii actually can resemble you quite closely! Depending on what game you play, the other characters are filled in by the Wii computer and are often Mii's from your own family. (if they have also entered cartoon characters, that is) The game keeps track of the progress of your Mii, and compares it to other registered Mii players. If you recall, everyone in my family has a Mii character on our system because everyone was here for Christmas.
My point of this is, that when I was doing the Wii step-aerobics class, my little Mii coach/instructor person was my DAD. It was hilarious. He was right there beside me with a big smile cheering me on, giving me high 5's, thumbs up to keep me going. When I went for my little jog through the Wii park Susie and Dan ran by with a big pack of puppies. It will take awhile for me to get tired of THAT. :)
My best news is that the girls got their first report cards for their new school. They both did GREAT. Aidan is on the honor roll for the first time EVER. I am so proud of them!
Actually, all the parties went really well. Dan seemed very happy with his snake cake, Mom seemed happy with her weekend and lunch Sunday. We all had a great time visiting with each other. Scott and the girls and I stopped at his best friend Pat's house Sunday to watch the game. It was the first time I had met him, and his family are really neat people. Alannah and Aidan had a great time with their son Liam who is exactly Aidan's age. He was really sad when we had to leave. It was a great way to break up our trip home as they live just under an hour from our house. However, it was still almost midnight before we got home. We were sooo tired yesterday! I am glad that I didn't get called in.
I worked today, but it ended up being a half day due to the snow storm. We didn't really get that much snow here, but the school district is very cautious. I covered today for a couple of teachers who were at an in-building workshop. One of the teachers told me that the school would be making up snow days until the end of June at this point. Any more and we would be going into July. (ewww!) At least it has been warmer.
I am happy to report that I am still going strong on both my diet and my exercise program. I finally found a Wii Fit system. Contrary to recent news articles, I think it can be a nice fitness option if used correctly. The exercises are fun and not too over-the-top.
If you are not familiar with Wii, it is an interactive video game system. Instead of sitting and using a hand control, you stand and often use your whole body to control what is happening in whatever game you are playing. You start out by making a little cartoon character called a Mii. The Mii actually can resemble you quite closely! Depending on what game you play, the other characters are filled in by the Wii computer and are often Mii's from your own family. (if they have also entered cartoon characters, that is) The game keeps track of the progress of your Mii, and compares it to other registered Mii players. If you recall, everyone in my family has a Mii character on our system because everyone was here for Christmas.
My point of this is, that when I was doing the Wii step-aerobics class, my little Mii coach/instructor person was my DAD. It was hilarious. He was right there beside me with a big smile cheering me on, giving me high 5's, thumbs up to keep me going. When I went for my little jog through the Wii park Susie and Dan ran by with a big pack of puppies. It will take awhile for me to get tired of THAT. :)
My best news is that the girls got their first report cards for their new school. They both did GREAT. Aidan is on the honor roll for the first time EVER. I am so proud of them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
