Monday, January 31, 2011
The Best Chuck Ever!
OK, I just finished watching THE BEST CHUCK EVER!!!!! I laughed out loud, cheered, and cried! It was just the BEST! I can't say more, but I can't wait for my dear family to see it so we can talk about it! WOW!
I'm Walking in Sunshine Whoa Oh!
The new week on Monday morning is never as bad as it seems on Sunday night. On Sunday night, it feels like the end of the weekend (which it is), and it feels all sad and dark and dreary. But on Monday morning, it's MORNING! And the beginning of a fresh new week! Weird. But good.
We had to set up our own tables at school, since they weren't having cooking class, and we were the first ones there except for the pastor. That's always weird too. It's all dark and empty. But we did, and then Karen and Carrie came, and soon it was busy, busy. Classes went well I think, I got a bunch of grading done, and ate, and graded some more, and then did the SAT class. Wish I could think of a way to make it more interesting. There's just not much interactive stuff we can do. But I'll keep thinking. I think one thing about being a teacher, is that you can't take it personally when a kid doesn't like your class--the material. They don't see the need for it, and they don't really try. I suppose a really great teacher would see that as a challenge--to engage every student, etc. But SAT is just one of those things that isn't required per se, but could be very beneficial--but only if you understand that and put in the effort. Any suggestions are always welcome! Thankfully, there are those who are engaged and answer questions and look alive!!
It was sunny today! So, as soon as we got home, I went for a walk, then Hannah called, and we talked for 88 minutes! Woo Hoo! It was great to catch up with her and talk about summer plans, majors, etc. Then I started dinner. Actually, I started the banana cc muffins while I was talking to her, and I was afraid I had forgotten to put in the sugar because I couldn't remember doing it. They seemed to taste OK though. Moral of the story for me: Don't talk and cook at the same time. I thought I could, but I guess I'm out of practice!
I made turkey smoked sausage, green peppers, onion, and pierogies for the main course, with salad and oranges.
Jeff and Abby are off to dance--Jeff is only driving, not dancing. Actually, he may not even be doing that! Just accompanying Abby while she does that stuff. I am blogging, having a quiet time, and watching Chuck. I would have gone with them if I were sure we would have a day off tomorrow, but I'm not.
We're supposed to have another winter storm tonight/tomorrow/Wed. Snow and freezing rain. It's forecasted to start tonight and go through Wed. So, we may not go to UV or the basketball game tomorrow, but we won't know until then. And we may not have school on Wed., but we won't know until then. I'm not gonna lie--I'm getting a little tired of the regular snowstorm pattern we have had this winter. Some years it's kind of fun to have a snow day, a storm that cancels things and gives us a break, but this year it has been far too many for my liking! Even with teaching school--instead of feeling like, "Yay! We get another day off!" I feel like, "We need to have time to finish stuff and have some continuity with our classes!" At home, snow doesn't usually do anything to interrupt our schedule with school.
Hannah and I were talking a little bit about vocation, career, and jobs today. From what I'm learning from 48 Days. Vocation is more about your overall calling in life. What do you want your life to accomplish? What has God gifted you to do that you can use to leave a legacy in the world? Then a career is the area of education, training, broad category where you would do that calling. For instance, if my vocation would be to help the poor, I could do that with many careers: teaching, medicine, social work, counseling, law, business.... The trick is to find which career fits with your overall vocational calling, and how to prepare for that. Then, a job is just the specific place you go every day to do that career to accomplish that vocation.
For some reason, that has really given me some things to think about. Instead of just focusing on a J-O-B, I need to think of the bigger picture and see what my calling from God is, then what career I want to use to do that, and THEN, I will be able to see more clearly what kind of job I'm even looking for. I think so often we get that mixed up and just get a job, which may turn into a career, and after a while it becomes our vocation. But that's why many people aren't happy in their careers--they got the order backward! Good stuff!
Well, Chuck is on in 30 minutes, and I need to have a quiet time before that, so I will bid you adieu dear readers, until next time. TTFN!
We had to set up our own tables at school, since they weren't having cooking class, and we were the first ones there except for the pastor. That's always weird too. It's all dark and empty. But we did, and then Karen and Carrie came, and soon it was busy, busy. Classes went well I think, I got a bunch of grading done, and ate, and graded some more, and then did the SAT class. Wish I could think of a way to make it more interesting. There's just not much interactive stuff we can do. But I'll keep thinking. I think one thing about being a teacher, is that you can't take it personally when a kid doesn't like your class--the material. They don't see the need for it, and they don't really try. I suppose a really great teacher would see that as a challenge--to engage every student, etc. But SAT is just one of those things that isn't required per se, but could be very beneficial--but only if you understand that and put in the effort. Any suggestions are always welcome! Thankfully, there are those who are engaged and answer questions and look alive!!
It was sunny today! So, as soon as we got home, I went for a walk, then Hannah called, and we talked for 88 minutes! Woo Hoo! It was great to catch up with her and talk about summer plans, majors, etc. Then I started dinner. Actually, I started the banana cc muffins while I was talking to her, and I was afraid I had forgotten to put in the sugar because I couldn't remember doing it. They seemed to taste OK though. Moral of the story for me: Don't talk and cook at the same time. I thought I could, but I guess I'm out of practice!
I made turkey smoked sausage, green peppers, onion, and pierogies for the main course, with salad and oranges.
Jeff and Abby are off to dance--Jeff is only driving, not dancing. Actually, he may not even be doing that! Just accompanying Abby while she does that stuff. I am blogging, having a quiet time, and watching Chuck. I would have gone with them if I were sure we would have a day off tomorrow, but I'm not.
We're supposed to have another winter storm tonight/tomorrow/Wed. Snow and freezing rain. It's forecasted to start tonight and go through Wed. So, we may not go to UV or the basketball game tomorrow, but we won't know until then. And we may not have school on Wed., but we won't know until then. I'm not gonna lie--I'm getting a little tired of the regular snowstorm pattern we have had this winter. Some years it's kind of fun to have a snow day, a storm that cancels things and gives us a break, but this year it has been far too many for my liking! Even with teaching school--instead of feeling like, "Yay! We get another day off!" I feel like, "We need to have time to finish stuff and have some continuity with our classes!" At home, snow doesn't usually do anything to interrupt our schedule with school.
Hannah and I were talking a little bit about vocation, career, and jobs today. From what I'm learning from 48 Days. Vocation is more about your overall calling in life. What do you want your life to accomplish? What has God gifted you to do that you can use to leave a legacy in the world? Then a career is the area of education, training, broad category where you would do that calling. For instance, if my vocation would be to help the poor, I could do that with many careers: teaching, medicine, social work, counseling, law, business.... The trick is to find which career fits with your overall vocational calling, and how to prepare for that. Then, a job is just the specific place you go every day to do that career to accomplish that vocation.
For some reason, that has really given me some things to think about. Instead of just focusing on a J-O-B, I need to think of the bigger picture and see what my calling from God is, then what career I want to use to do that, and THEN, I will be able to see more clearly what kind of job I'm even looking for. I think so often we get that mixed up and just get a job, which may turn into a career, and after a while it becomes our vocation. But that's why many people aren't happy in their careers--they got the order backward! Good stuff!
Well, Chuck is on in 30 minutes, and I need to have a quiet time before that, so I will bid you adieu dear readers, until next time. TTFN!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday night--A new week awaits...
Just got home from babysitting for Carter, Maddie, and Brooklynn. What cute, sweet kids! Mason didn't come this time because he was having a hard day. Jeff played Wii with Carter, and I ran around after the girls while they played. I did get to browse through one of Lindsay's magazines while they were playing. It was very relaxed! The one thing that I keep laughing about is that when Maddie was making a mess with some oatmeal on a tray (Lindsay had put it out for them to play with), I said, "Oh, let's put that away because it is too messy. Maddie is making a mess..." Carter said, very matter of factly, "That's OK--it's her JOB!" That makes me chuckle, but it's so true. She's one, and it's her job to make messes.
Had a great chat with Katie this afternoon on skype. So good to see her face and hear about her week. Sounds like she's doing great and having a good time. And we got to see her host family which makes them seem more real. But it also makes it seem even stranger that she just lives with these people that WE don't even know. Weird. But they have been a good family to her, and now we have faces for each of them. Thanks, Katie!
I got a call from April tonight that her mom is still in the hospital, so she won't be at school tomorrow. That always makes Mondays seem less cheerful. April and her cooking class make things seem warmer and homey. So pray for her mom--she has heart problems and they are doing tests/procedures to help her. But it's scary and stressful. And hard for April to have to be at the hospital so much and try to keep things going at home/school.
I still have some work to do for school, and it's 9:25pm. I did get a couple of things done before we left for Kent, but I definitely have to make lunch for Abby and I since we won't have any food at school. And I need to pack things up and make sure I'm ready to go. So, I guess I had better get moving.
I can't wait to hear about Hannah's weekend. I talked to her briefly before we left Kent to make sure there wasn't anything we needed to touch base on, but I haven't talked REALLY to her for a while! Miss you, girlie! Hope you're doing great!
Abby is gone at WinterJam and probably won't be home until late. Hope she's got her school stuff ready to go, but I don't see it....
OK, I really do need to get moving. Another week is soon to begin. Until later, dear reader!
Had a great chat with Katie this afternoon on skype. So good to see her face and hear about her week. Sounds like she's doing great and having a good time. And we got to see her host family which makes them seem more real. But it also makes it seem even stranger that she just lives with these people that WE don't even know. Weird. But they have been a good family to her, and now we have faces for each of them. Thanks, Katie!
I got a call from April tonight that her mom is still in the hospital, so she won't be at school tomorrow. That always makes Mondays seem less cheerful. April and her cooking class make things seem warmer and homey. So pray for her mom--she has heart problems and they are doing tests/procedures to help her. But it's scary and stressful. And hard for April to have to be at the hospital so much and try to keep things going at home/school.
I still have some work to do for school, and it's 9:25pm. I did get a couple of things done before we left for Kent, but I definitely have to make lunch for Abby and I since we won't have any food at school. And I need to pack things up and make sure I'm ready to go. So, I guess I had better get moving.
I can't wait to hear about Hannah's weekend. I talked to her briefly before we left Kent to make sure there wasn't anything we needed to touch base on, but I haven't talked REALLY to her for a while! Miss you, girlie! Hope you're doing great!
Abby is gone at WinterJam and probably won't be home until late. Hope she's got her school stuff ready to go, but I don't see it....
OK, I really do need to get moving. Another week is soon to begin. Until later, dear reader!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
A FREE Day!
We had a good time last night with our small group, but it was a king of weird night too. People all came at different times: 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8pm. So it was hard to eat and feed everyone at one time, and it wasn't until about 8:40pm that we were all fed and could start talking about how everyone is doing, and whether or not we wanted to do the next study and when that could work. Our group may be just a smidge big to really accomplish things, but I can't imagine not having everyone there. It wouldn't seem right. So, we'll see how doing a study actually works out.
Angie called and said they weren't bringing the kids because their van wouldn't start, so everyone couldn't fit in their other car. Her mom and dad came over though, so Jason and Angie could come. I'm sure it was nice for them to have the night off--but not so nice to have car problems.
I also felt bad because Kyle doesn't eat meat, and I forgot and put meat in both pans of rigatoni. I have usually left it out of one, and thought about it earlier, but when I was actually doing it, I was talking and just making them both the same. I thought maybe he would just eat the noodles and pick out the meat since there's not much in there anyway, but he didn't. He just ate salad and bread and fruit. Oh well. Jason made this awesome, from-scratch chocolate cake too for Justin's birthday, but Kyle only likes chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. We didn't have enough to offer everyone, so he just had a couple of bites of Lisa's. I guess he's pickier than I realized!
Everyone stayed later too--until about 11pm, and I had a little cleaning up to do, so went to bed kinda late. Well, not everyone stayed until 11, but the Bloughs left first at 10:15/10:30. Eli and Toby were raring to go and didn't seem very tired to me. Until Eli laid down on the beanbag upstairs, and then he looked like he could fall asleep! Just keep moving!! That's how little kids do it.
Emerson can crawl all over now, pull himself up on things sometimes, very amazing! Since we haven't met for a couple of months, all the babies seem so much bigger and more advanced. A couple of months is a long time for them. Eliana is looong and holds her head up and is so alert. Such a pretty baby!
Today has been my FREE day! I started it off by sleeping until 9am--which was good since I went to bed late, but it did make my day seem shorter. I decided to try straightening my hair since it wasn't very curly yesterday, and with my good flat iron, it wasn't hard. Too long though. Makes me sad, because she didn't cut it the length I told her to, and now I have to wait so long to get it cut again, and it will be SUPER-too-long by then. I think I was so tired of having too-long hair, and I was so excited to have it cut off, that it just doesn't seem short enough to have that Ahhh feeling of getting my hair cut. However, I do need to wash it and style it myself before passing complete judgement, since it is always shorter when I do it curly.
I started working on reading 48 Days and answering the questions at the end of the chapters and taking notes. It is really good, and I think all of us girls at least should read it. It makes the distinction between vocation, career, and job. And it makes a good point about finding what you are uniquely gifted by God to do, and then finding a unique way to do it in world. There are many ways to use an education in a given field, and if we are doing something we truly enjoy doing and are passionate about, we will be more likely to be successful and fulfilled. It's good, thought-provoking material. So, don't feel like you girls need to teach in a school to use your talents and gifts and educations--there are many ways to serve the world! Maybe we can get the book and go through it this summer.
It also talks about setting goals which I have not done for ages. I think my goals have been to do school and take care of our family and home, and I've forgotten that in those things, I can still set goals and accomplish more if I do. So, I'm working on that too. It's scary in a way to put a goal down on paper--but he says that's where the real power of a goal comes in. Writing it down makes it more concrete and more likely to happen. So, I'm working on it!
I was happy to see that Katie thinks Kent ranks a 9.5 on the arboreal luminescence scale. All that for the cost of a state university! What a bargain!
So, after working on that stuff for a while, I ate and went for a walk with Jeff. Then he and Abby went to see Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 3D at the dollar theater. $3.50 each because of the 3D! Woo--expensive! I had a quiet time and read more. Now they are home, and we will have pulled pork for dinner from the freezer--a true day off if I don't have to cook! The French fries are cooking right now. Then we are watching Fame--maybe even while we eat--in front of the TV like real Americans!
Tomorrow, church, and later babysitting for h20, and then the week begins again. But it has been nice to have a day off. I plan to plan it in the schedule on a regular basis. I still didn't get to fit in all I would have liked to do, but that's always the way it goes.
Well, it smells like the FF are almost done, so I best be going. Loved hearing about Katie's yummy food/travels today! Such beautiful places! Hoping Hannah had a great weekend away! Looking forward to hearing about that too! Until then, dear readers!
Angie called and said they weren't bringing the kids because their van wouldn't start, so everyone couldn't fit in their other car. Her mom and dad came over though, so Jason and Angie could come. I'm sure it was nice for them to have the night off--but not so nice to have car problems.
I also felt bad because Kyle doesn't eat meat, and I forgot and put meat in both pans of rigatoni. I have usually left it out of one, and thought about it earlier, but when I was actually doing it, I was talking and just making them both the same. I thought maybe he would just eat the noodles and pick out the meat since there's not much in there anyway, but he didn't. He just ate salad and bread and fruit. Oh well. Jason made this awesome, from-scratch chocolate cake too for Justin's birthday, but Kyle only likes chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. We didn't have enough to offer everyone, so he just had a couple of bites of Lisa's. I guess he's pickier than I realized!
Everyone stayed later too--until about 11pm, and I had a little cleaning up to do, so went to bed kinda late. Well, not everyone stayed until 11, but the Bloughs left first at 10:15/10:30. Eli and Toby were raring to go and didn't seem very tired to me. Until Eli laid down on the beanbag upstairs, and then he looked like he could fall asleep! Just keep moving!! That's how little kids do it.
Emerson can crawl all over now, pull himself up on things sometimes, very amazing! Since we haven't met for a couple of months, all the babies seem so much bigger and more advanced. A couple of months is a long time for them. Eliana is looong and holds her head up and is so alert. Such a pretty baby!
Today has been my FREE day! I started it off by sleeping until 9am--which was good since I went to bed late, but it did make my day seem shorter. I decided to try straightening my hair since it wasn't very curly yesterday, and with my good flat iron, it wasn't hard. Too long though. Makes me sad, because she didn't cut it the length I told her to, and now I have to wait so long to get it cut again, and it will be SUPER-too-long by then. I think I was so tired of having too-long hair, and I was so excited to have it cut off, that it just doesn't seem short enough to have that Ahhh feeling of getting my hair cut. However, I do need to wash it and style it myself before passing complete judgement, since it is always shorter when I do it curly.
I started working on reading 48 Days and answering the questions at the end of the chapters and taking notes. It is really good, and I think all of us girls at least should read it. It makes the distinction between vocation, career, and job. And it makes a good point about finding what you are uniquely gifted by God to do, and then finding a unique way to do it in world. There are many ways to use an education in a given field, and if we are doing something we truly enjoy doing and are passionate about, we will be more likely to be successful and fulfilled. It's good, thought-provoking material. So, don't feel like you girls need to teach in a school to use your talents and gifts and educations--there are many ways to serve the world! Maybe we can get the book and go through it this summer.
It also talks about setting goals which I have not done for ages. I think my goals have been to do school and take care of our family and home, and I've forgotten that in those things, I can still set goals and accomplish more if I do. So, I'm working on that too. It's scary in a way to put a goal down on paper--but he says that's where the real power of a goal comes in. Writing it down makes it more concrete and more likely to happen. So, I'm working on it!
I was happy to see that Katie thinks Kent ranks a 9.5 on the arboreal luminescence scale. All that for the cost of a state university! What a bargain!
So, after working on that stuff for a while, I ate and went for a walk with Jeff. Then he and Abby went to see Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 3D at the dollar theater. $3.50 each because of the 3D! Woo--expensive! I had a quiet time and read more. Now they are home, and we will have pulled pork for dinner from the freezer--a true day off if I don't have to cook! The French fries are cooking right now. Then we are watching Fame--maybe even while we eat--in front of the TV like real Americans!
Tomorrow, church, and later babysitting for h20, and then the week begins again. But it has been nice to have a day off. I plan to plan it in the schedule on a regular basis. I still didn't get to fit in all I would have liked to do, but that's always the way it goes.
Well, it smells like the FF are almost done, so I best be going. Loved hearing about Katie's yummy food/travels today! Such beautiful places! Hoping Hannah had a great weekend away! Looking forward to hearing about that too! Until then, dear readers!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Haircut pics
Hey all!
This is Abby hacking into Mom's account to put pictures of her hair up :)
Enjoy!
This is Abby hacking into Mom's account to put pictures of her hair up :)
Enjoy!
Before
After
After
A Brief Blog
I'm going to write a quick post before I go to start making rigatoni for dinner for small group because I have a feeling that afterward, it will be too late for me to think straight!
I got my hair cut today, and I like it--I'd like it to be a leetle beet shorter, but erring on the side of too long is always less traumatic than too short! It's the right shape though, and of course, when she dries it, has to comb through it to check for length things, and it ends up being fluffy, it's hard to see how it will really be later. I de-fluffed it though, and Abby took a before and after picture so that you can see it. But she'll have to help me put them up here because I didn't even know I could do that! She's babysitting right now, so maybe tomorrow.
I cleaned some before, and finished after, my haircut, went for a walk, had a quiet time, and now I need to make food. I hope we have a good time tonight and really get to talk to everyone. Sometimes with such a big group, it's hard to really get to hear from everyone. But our whole plan is just to catch up, so hopefully we'll get through everyone's lives from November to the present!
I think 48 Days will be a good book--I plan to work more on it tomorrow on my FREE day! And maybe I can have some coffee with my hubby (after he and Abby work on some ACT stuff), and maybe I can get some ironing done, and maybe do my nails, and maybe, maybe, maybe....a free day is just so full of possibilities!! I just hope that I choose well, and feel like it was a satisfying day at the end of it. Silly me--already worrying that I won't make the most of my FREE day!
Abby found the dance DVD from 2006 and thought it was pretty entertaining! Everyone looks so little and young who is now a big high schooler. What a difference 5 years makes!
Oh yeah, I also want to watch Fame tomorrow--Abby got it at the library along with another dance movie--Center Stage, I think.
Well, I'm sure I'll have a bunch of funny stories after tonight, so until then, I hope that Hannah has a great time on her retreat this weekend--and that it doesn't snow too much! And I hope that Katie has a great time on her outing to see more castles this weekend. And I hope that Abby can make it through going over ACT stuff and maybe get to go sledding tomorrow. And I will look forward to reading blogs and talking to ya'll real soon! Until later, dear reader--rigatoni awaits!!
I got my hair cut today, and I like it--I'd like it to be a leetle beet shorter, but erring on the side of too long is always less traumatic than too short! It's the right shape though, and of course, when she dries it, has to comb through it to check for length things, and it ends up being fluffy, it's hard to see how it will really be later. I de-fluffed it though, and Abby took a before and after picture so that you can see it. But she'll have to help me put them up here because I didn't even know I could do that! She's babysitting right now, so maybe tomorrow.
I cleaned some before, and finished after, my haircut, went for a walk, had a quiet time, and now I need to make food. I hope we have a good time tonight and really get to talk to everyone. Sometimes with such a big group, it's hard to really get to hear from everyone. But our whole plan is just to catch up, so hopefully we'll get through everyone's lives from November to the present!
I think 48 Days will be a good book--I plan to work more on it tomorrow on my FREE day! And maybe I can have some coffee with my hubby (after he and Abby work on some ACT stuff), and maybe I can get some ironing done, and maybe do my nails, and maybe, maybe, maybe....a free day is just so full of possibilities!! I just hope that I choose well, and feel like it was a satisfying day at the end of it. Silly me--already worrying that I won't make the most of my FREE day!
Abby found the dance DVD from 2006 and thought it was pretty entertaining! Everyone looks so little and young who is now a big high schooler. What a difference 5 years makes!
Oh yeah, I also want to watch Fame tomorrow--Abby got it at the library along with another dance movie--Center Stage, I think.
Well, I'm sure I'll have a bunch of funny stories after tonight, so until then, I hope that Hannah has a great time on her retreat this weekend--and that it doesn't snow too much! And I hope that Katie has a great time on her outing to see more castles this weekend. And I hope that Abby can make it through going over ACT stuff and maybe get to go sledding tomorrow. And I will look forward to reading blogs and talking to ya'll real soon! Until later, dear reader--rigatoni awaits!!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
ThirstDay--(Dad's Idea)(The title, that is)
Today I worked on school stuff. Marking Abby's books for next week, preparing for Language Arts, American History, and I made a reading list for history books. Abby found this great alphabetizing thing so I could just type all the titles in and not have to do the alphebetizing myself. It was a long list and would have taken a long time. Yay, Abby! She also helped me with several other things.
I was expecting April to come and pick out earrings, but she didn't show up, and I was wanting to go for a walk, so I called her. She was at the hospital because her mom had been admitted. She felt bad, but of course I understood! I'm going to take the earrings to school on Monday so she can just pick them out then.
I did take a walk--nice and cold and refreshing, but not so bad that it was distracting from thinking. And I talked to Mom on the phone for almost an hour. Good to catch up with her!
I finished Debt-Free U--I think it should be required reading for all of us. OK, maybe not, but it was a good book and had some great info, and it was entertaining too. Then I started 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller. Dave Ramsey is always giving people that book, so Abby put it on hold for me at the library. I think--hope--it will be helpful for me in figuring out what kind of job I should be looking for. It addresses the issue I've been thinking about. Namely, that I have had a career of raising my family/homeschooling, etc. that has been deeply meaningful and satisfying, and I can't imagine now just going out and working at a job for the next many years--especially one that I don't find nearly as fulfilling. He talks about a "calling" instead of a job. That's what I need to find--my next calling!
Another interesting thing is that in the beginning of the book, he talks about growing up on a dairy farm in rural Ohio with a dad who was a farmer/Mennonite pastor in their "one caution light town." That could be Berlin! Of course, there are many Millers, many Mennonite churches, and many little towns that only have a caution light, but I wonder....After a brief search, we haven't been able to tell. And he's considerably older than me--he and his wife have been married 42 years. He's a Christian so that helps with meshing work with a spiritual calling too. I've only just started reading, so I'm sure there will be more to come on that!
Tonight I worked on SAT prep while Jeff and Abby went over some ACT stuff. A little frustrating because some of the answers were a little goofy. And it's hard to do stuff like that at night. So more on Saturday morning, I guess. And we watched AI--it's surprisingly entertaining even without Simon. Randy is the "mean" judge now--maybe the only one at times, but Jennifer Lopez can say no which is good. Steven Tyler is surprisingly nice and kind. Crazy, but often very sweet to people. There have been some touching stories of contestants too.
Tomorrow I get my hair cut!!! I'm excited, and praying that I won't be disappointed. At least I know the color will be done, and I won't have to cover up my roots anymore. That adds extra time in the morning! So, we'll see. Denise does a good job most of the time--especially with pictures. And I haven't seen her for a while, so it's always nice to chat.
Then we have small group here tomorrow night, so I'll be making rigatoni for that. I think that's all I have to make. We have so many families that we each only have to bring one thing. It will be good to see everyone again.
I was thinking on my walk how I'm starting to feel more like myself again after the exhausting fall/holidays. Even a little thing like having a "free" day on Saturday does wonders for boosting my mood. Just knowing that every minute isn't scheduled helps me work hard when the minutes are scheduled because I know a break is coming. When it never ends, it's hard to know when to let up because you can't keep going at 100% all of the time. And then it feels like you're not doing something well enough when you do let up a little. Margins. Love margins. Love the Karen girls too, but NEED margins right now!
Well, Jeff has a meeting at 7am tomorrow, so we should probably go to bed. I need to clean too before and after my hair cut. Oh, for dinner tonight, I "recycled" the chili and rice we had on Saturday and reheated them, stir fried some peppers and onions, and we made burritos, or a big bowl with rice, chili, cheese, lettuce, chips, sour cream, taco sauce. Yummy! We ate leftover quiche for lunch. The consensus was that we should have it again soon! And Jeff thought that if I was making pie crust for that, that I could make another one and have pb pie or something for dessert! Hmm...I LIKE the way he thinks!
Sounds like Katie is being a good "big sister" to Claire and having fun with friends too. Glad to hear it! I thought of another question--oh yeah, how is the water in France? Does it taste good? Meme wondered if you got water with meals-of course, how could Katie live without her water?! But I just wondered how it tasted! Being the water connoisseur that you are--you may not know alcohol, but water, YES!
OK, now I really should go to bed. I've been sleeping till 8am on days when I don't have to go to school. Lovely! But I'm still tired by 10pm. Probably from walking again in the fresh air. My pulled muscles are finally feeling better too--consistently. That's a relief! Until tomorrow, dear reader!
I was expecting April to come and pick out earrings, but she didn't show up, and I was wanting to go for a walk, so I called her. She was at the hospital because her mom had been admitted. She felt bad, but of course I understood! I'm going to take the earrings to school on Monday so she can just pick them out then.
I did take a walk--nice and cold and refreshing, but not so bad that it was distracting from thinking. And I talked to Mom on the phone for almost an hour. Good to catch up with her!
I finished Debt-Free U--I think it should be required reading for all of us. OK, maybe not, but it was a good book and had some great info, and it was entertaining too. Then I started 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller. Dave Ramsey is always giving people that book, so Abby put it on hold for me at the library. I think--hope--it will be helpful for me in figuring out what kind of job I should be looking for. It addresses the issue I've been thinking about. Namely, that I have had a career of raising my family/homeschooling, etc. that has been deeply meaningful and satisfying, and I can't imagine now just going out and working at a job for the next many years--especially one that I don't find nearly as fulfilling. He talks about a "calling" instead of a job. That's what I need to find--my next calling!
Another interesting thing is that in the beginning of the book, he talks about growing up on a dairy farm in rural Ohio with a dad who was a farmer/Mennonite pastor in their "one caution light town." That could be Berlin! Of course, there are many Millers, many Mennonite churches, and many little towns that only have a caution light, but I wonder....After a brief search, we haven't been able to tell. And he's considerably older than me--he and his wife have been married 42 years. He's a Christian so that helps with meshing work with a spiritual calling too. I've only just started reading, so I'm sure there will be more to come on that!
Tonight I worked on SAT prep while Jeff and Abby went over some ACT stuff. A little frustrating because some of the answers were a little goofy. And it's hard to do stuff like that at night. So more on Saturday morning, I guess. And we watched AI--it's surprisingly entertaining even without Simon. Randy is the "mean" judge now--maybe the only one at times, but Jennifer Lopez can say no which is good. Steven Tyler is surprisingly nice and kind. Crazy, but often very sweet to people. There have been some touching stories of contestants too.
Tomorrow I get my hair cut!!! I'm excited, and praying that I won't be disappointed. At least I know the color will be done, and I won't have to cover up my roots anymore. That adds extra time in the morning! So, we'll see. Denise does a good job most of the time--especially with pictures. And I haven't seen her for a while, so it's always nice to chat.
Then we have small group here tomorrow night, so I'll be making rigatoni for that. I think that's all I have to make. We have so many families that we each only have to bring one thing. It will be good to see everyone again.
I was thinking on my walk how I'm starting to feel more like myself again after the exhausting fall/holidays. Even a little thing like having a "free" day on Saturday does wonders for boosting my mood. Just knowing that every minute isn't scheduled helps me work hard when the minutes are scheduled because I know a break is coming. When it never ends, it's hard to know when to let up because you can't keep going at 100% all of the time. And then it feels like you're not doing something well enough when you do let up a little. Margins. Love margins. Love the Karen girls too, but NEED margins right now!
Well, Jeff has a meeting at 7am tomorrow, so we should probably go to bed. I need to clean too before and after my hair cut. Oh, for dinner tonight, I "recycled" the chili and rice we had on Saturday and reheated them, stir fried some peppers and onions, and we made burritos, or a big bowl with rice, chili, cheese, lettuce, chips, sour cream, taco sauce. Yummy! We ate leftover quiche for lunch. The consensus was that we should have it again soon! And Jeff thought that if I was making pie crust for that, that I could make another one and have pb pie or something for dessert! Hmm...I LIKE the way he thinks!
Sounds like Katie is being a good "big sister" to Claire and having fun with friends too. Glad to hear it! I thought of another question--oh yeah, how is the water in France? Does it taste good? Meme wondered if you got water with meals-of course, how could Katie live without her water?! But I just wondered how it tasted! Being the water connoisseur that you are--you may not know alcohol, but water, YES!
OK, now I really should go to bed. I've been sleeping till 8am on days when I don't have to go to school. Lovely! But I'm still tired by 10pm. Probably from walking again in the fresh air. My pulled muscles are finally feeling better too--consistently. That's a relief! Until tomorrow, dear reader!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A Wegular Wednesday
I made it through teaching the physics lesson today! Yay! I'm afraid that telling them it was an open book test might have lessened their interest in listening, but they were complaining about having another whole module in one week, so I told them up front. Good news/Bad news kind of thing.
I walked after we got home, and it was cold, but refreshing. Good to clear my head in many ways. I've been praying a lot for summer jobs for everyone. I'll be interested to see what God provides.
OK, before I forget again, I have to write a little bit about the book I've been reading, Debt-Free U, by Zac Bissonnette. First of all, clever title. When you say it, you think "Debt-Free You." But when you see it, it makes you think of college. Clever. He's a good writer--I've laughed out loud many times. And he's very opinionated for a 21 year old college student. Reminds me of Dave Ramsey, but Dave has earned the right to be opinionated because he's lived through it all and come out wiser. However, since I mostly think Zac is right, I guess it's OK. In some ways, he's earned the right to be opinionated because he's living through the college thing right now and working a couple of jobs doing it. And he's very anti-debt and gives great reasons backed up with statistics about why student loans are a very bad idea.
One thing I really like is that he addresses all of the hype about going to college and looks at things more logically. In many ways, we've done just what he's talking about. Not being "afraid" of going to a state school but taking the best deal and making the best of it, which has turned out to be GREAT! And he actually likes state universities for many of the same reasons we've talked about: greater diversity, greater choice of majors, more like the real world in that you have to learn to figure things out and get what you need without someone holding your hand.
Anyway, I just thought this was funny in talking about "finding the right fit" for college (which he thinks is kind of silly--at least the way some people go about it). So, he said this girl visited this really expensive college "and found the idyllic college--students tossing Frisbees and lying on greens. She saw campuses through her artist's eye, and she liked the way the light filtered through the trees at Skidmore." He says, "Please, please, please: do not allow your child to pick a college based on the way the light filters through the trees. Really. There is little reliable data to suggest that arboreal luminescence is a good predictor of college success." Bwahahaha! Thankfully, Kent has lovely trees and good arboreal luminescence!
Yeah, there were several other sections I thought were good, but I guess you'll just have to read the book. One more thing--he calls the textbook people, "the textbook cartel." Just funny.
I made quiche for dinner, but it was very American I'm afraid--no gruyere cheese. Just provolone/mozzarella and ham, green peppers, and onions. So more a Denver quiche than French one! But it was good even so. Plus banana chocolate chip muffins, salad, and fruit. And we finished off the cake from Saturday for our treat.
Tomorrow I need to do laundry and get ready for Monday's classes. April is supposed to come over and pick out some earrings for some friends in the afternoon. So hopefully I can fit in a walk again tomorrow. I feel so much better when I do!
We're watching American Idol again. It's OK, but not something I'd worry about missing if I had to. Chuck was really good this week. Ya'll will have to catch up--you'll be lucky to get to watch many episodes in a row and not have to wait in between! It's getting complicated!
Well, I guess that's about it for today. I am grateful for everyone doing well--we have much to be thankful for. I think about that often in the midst of praying about the future. Don't forget to enjoy NOW!! So, until later, dear reader!
I walked after we got home, and it was cold, but refreshing. Good to clear my head in many ways. I've been praying a lot for summer jobs for everyone. I'll be interested to see what God provides.
OK, before I forget again, I have to write a little bit about the book I've been reading, Debt-Free U, by Zac Bissonnette. First of all, clever title. When you say it, you think "Debt-Free You." But when you see it, it makes you think of college. Clever. He's a good writer--I've laughed out loud many times. And he's very opinionated for a 21 year old college student. Reminds me of Dave Ramsey, but Dave has earned the right to be opinionated because he's lived through it all and come out wiser. However, since I mostly think Zac is right, I guess it's OK. In some ways, he's earned the right to be opinionated because he's living through the college thing right now and working a couple of jobs doing it. And he's very anti-debt and gives great reasons backed up with statistics about why student loans are a very bad idea.
One thing I really like is that he addresses all of the hype about going to college and looks at things more logically. In many ways, we've done just what he's talking about. Not being "afraid" of going to a state school but taking the best deal and making the best of it, which has turned out to be GREAT! And he actually likes state universities for many of the same reasons we've talked about: greater diversity, greater choice of majors, more like the real world in that you have to learn to figure things out and get what you need without someone holding your hand.
Anyway, I just thought this was funny in talking about "finding the right fit" for college (which he thinks is kind of silly--at least the way some people go about it). So, he said this girl visited this really expensive college "and found the idyllic college--students tossing Frisbees and lying on greens. She saw campuses through her artist's eye, and she liked the way the light filtered through the trees at Skidmore." He says, "Please, please, please: do not allow your child to pick a college based on the way the light filters through the trees. Really. There is little reliable data to suggest that arboreal luminescence is a good predictor of college success." Bwahahaha! Thankfully, Kent has lovely trees and good arboreal luminescence!
Yeah, there were several other sections I thought were good, but I guess you'll just have to read the book. One more thing--he calls the textbook people, "the textbook cartel." Just funny.
I made quiche for dinner, but it was very American I'm afraid--no gruyere cheese. Just provolone/mozzarella and ham, green peppers, and onions. So more a Denver quiche than French one! But it was good even so. Plus banana chocolate chip muffins, salad, and fruit. And we finished off the cake from Saturday for our treat.
Tomorrow I need to do laundry and get ready for Monday's classes. April is supposed to come over and pick out some earrings for some friends in the afternoon. So hopefully I can fit in a walk again tomorrow. I feel so much better when I do!
We're watching American Idol again. It's OK, but not something I'd worry about missing if I had to. Chuck was really good this week. Ya'll will have to catch up--you'll be lucky to get to watch many episodes in a row and not have to wait in between! It's getting complicated!
Well, I guess that's about it for today. I am grateful for everyone doing well--we have much to be thankful for. I think about that often in the midst of praying about the future. Don't forget to enjoy NOW!! So, until later, dear reader!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
It was above freezing today--hurray!
I woke up feeling "stuffy" today, but don't have a real cold or anything. But it was good to sleep in a little. I worked on preparing for science for tomorrow, and I was getting really overwhelmed when I looked at the material. It was an introduction to physics with a lot of math and new concepts. We had scheduled to do the whole module in one week, and I was thinking, "There's no way these kids are going to be able to do this!" I mean, some of the older ones would be fine, but some of the younger ones would be lost. But I went ahead and did the whole module of prep, thinking the whole time of different ways to stretch it out over two weeks and make it work.
Then, after I had done it all, I looked at Karen's teaching schedule, and she had made the test OPEN BOOK! Whew! I was so relieved for the kids! I know I'm the teacher and could have decided that, but it never occured to me. It was such a fair way of dealing with the lack of time and all of the new material. She's a genius! So now I feel much less like a mean teacher going in there tomorrow and trying to cover all of that!
I paid some bills, ate some lunch, and went for a walk. It was almost 40 degrees today! Wow! It felt almost balmy. Such a refreshing change to be outside.
Then we went to UV, and it went well. I was feeling really bad for Ehne Thau at the end of homework time though. It was 5:30pm-6pm and she was working on math problems. Simplifying fractions that should have been quick. But her teacher makes them list all of the factors of the denominator and numerator for every single problem then show their work in dividing the top and bottom of the fraction by the same number. Oh, how tedious! She was plugging away, but she didn't finish her 23 problems. She did them all right and didn't need my help, but I just sat there with her anyway because she was the last one left in the room, and I felt so sorry for her. Moral support, you know.
Then I went to Marc's and back to take Abby to dance. She said her ballet class went well. So glad. Now home and I'm tired! All that fresh air I think!
I told the EDD that we couldn't have them over this weekend because we were having friends over for dinner--which is small group Friday night, but we decided that we need at least one day of the weekend to be free and more restful. If Friday is super busy, we have the girls over on Saturday, then church and babysitting for h2o on Sunday, I will feel exhausted and like I never get a break. I'm working on making space and margin in my schedule, and this seemed like a time to practice it. We'll have them over the next Saturday though. She said we could write messages on facebook! That's kind of fun! So, I'm trying not to feel guilty about freeing up my schedule some, and to know that God wants us to have a breather in our week. The Sabbath was His idea, you know.
I am getting very excited about getting my hair cut on Friday! I have found a couple of pictures that I like, and I'm going to see what Denise thinks, but I'm ready to have it shorter and have the color done again.
While I was waiting for Abby, I was listening to WKSU and they were talking about this new cookbook that scientists made with more "scientific" ways to prepare food. Like, grill a burger to the perfect done-ness. Then dip it in liquid nitrogen to freeze it and keep it that way. Then take a blow torch to it to make a crispy outside with the perfect inside. Hmm....why does that not sound appealing? Like they said, it sounds like a bunch of very rich guys playing with their food. But who would have believed microwaves? Let's just say, I won't be buying that book--I think it was insanely expensive too.
Well, that's about all the news for today. I am expecting a call from Hannah about the spring break trip soon, so I want to be available to talk to her. I loved Katie's blog and hearing about her day. I look forward to reading it every day! And I appreciated her answering my questions about French life too. I read that Thomas Jefferson book with Ehne Thau again today--with the "potatoes fried in the French manner." Well, actually, she read it to me very well! Hannah would be so proud of her little student! Anyway, it was fun to help her make the connection that Jefferson went to the same country that Katie's in right now. So, until tomorrow, dear reader!
Then, after I had done it all, I looked at Karen's teaching schedule, and she had made the test OPEN BOOK! Whew! I was so relieved for the kids! I know I'm the teacher and could have decided that, but it never occured to me. It was such a fair way of dealing with the lack of time and all of the new material. She's a genius! So now I feel much less like a mean teacher going in there tomorrow and trying to cover all of that!
I paid some bills, ate some lunch, and went for a walk. It was almost 40 degrees today! Wow! It felt almost balmy. Such a refreshing change to be outside.
Then we went to UV, and it went well. I was feeling really bad for Ehne Thau at the end of homework time though. It was 5:30pm-6pm and she was working on math problems. Simplifying fractions that should have been quick. But her teacher makes them list all of the factors of the denominator and numerator for every single problem then show their work in dividing the top and bottom of the fraction by the same number. Oh, how tedious! She was plugging away, but she didn't finish her 23 problems. She did them all right and didn't need my help, but I just sat there with her anyway because she was the last one left in the room, and I felt so sorry for her. Moral support, you know.
Then I went to Marc's and back to take Abby to dance. She said her ballet class went well. So glad. Now home and I'm tired! All that fresh air I think!
I told the EDD that we couldn't have them over this weekend because we were having friends over for dinner--which is small group Friday night, but we decided that we need at least one day of the weekend to be free and more restful. If Friday is super busy, we have the girls over on Saturday, then church and babysitting for h2o on Sunday, I will feel exhausted and like I never get a break. I'm working on making space and margin in my schedule, and this seemed like a time to practice it. We'll have them over the next Saturday though. She said we could write messages on facebook! That's kind of fun! So, I'm trying not to feel guilty about freeing up my schedule some, and to know that God wants us to have a breather in our week. The Sabbath was His idea, you know.
I am getting very excited about getting my hair cut on Friday! I have found a couple of pictures that I like, and I'm going to see what Denise thinks, but I'm ready to have it shorter and have the color done again.
While I was waiting for Abby, I was listening to WKSU and they were talking about this new cookbook that scientists made with more "scientific" ways to prepare food. Like, grill a burger to the perfect done-ness. Then dip it in liquid nitrogen to freeze it and keep it that way. Then take a blow torch to it to make a crispy outside with the perfect inside. Hmm....why does that not sound appealing? Like they said, it sounds like a bunch of very rich guys playing with their food. But who would have believed microwaves? Let's just say, I won't be buying that book--I think it was insanely expensive too.
Well, that's about all the news for today. I am expecting a call from Hannah about the spring break trip soon, so I want to be available to talk to her. I loved Katie's blog and hearing about her day. I look forward to reading it every day! And I appreciated her answering my questions about French life too. I read that Thomas Jefferson book with Ehne Thau again today--with the "potatoes fried in the French manner." Well, actually, she read it to me very well! Hannah would be so proud of her little student! Anyway, it was fun to help her make the connection that Jefferson went to the same country that Katie's in right now. So, until tomorrow, dear reader!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Back to Work/School
First day back at school on a Monday for a while. MLK day, ya know. It was hard to wake up in the cold, dark world, but after that it went OK. It's always so nice to get there and have food cooking that smells good and makes it seem homey.
I got all of my copies made which is always a relief when it works, and I don't have to ask for help. Taught history and language arts. We had a little, informal debate/discussion where I had the boys take the colonists' side on one of the issues we talked about--the Townshend Acts which taxed paint, lead, glass, tea, wine, paper--and the girls take the British side. And then they switched for the Quartering Act which said that they had to house British soldiers, feed them, provide transporation, etc. The boys were sure the British soldiers would be very helpful--babysitting, working, etc. The girls were sure they would just eat all their food and take the horse when it was needed to plow, etc. It was lively, and I think they'll remember at least those issues from today! Middle schoolers love to debate, and boys vs. girls is always a favorite. They also timed themselves (boys v. girls) in matching up some flash cards I made.
I had a break and got all of my grading done for those two classes which is always great. Then lunch--broccoli noodle soup and bean soup and pudding, and these salads made from cucumber and tomato, and then also "keen-wah" which might be spelled "quinoa" but I'm not sure. It's a grain--a "super food" apparently. It looked very interesting and tasted good--like rice, and it had green peppers, onion, and radishes in with it too. Everything April makes is good even if I've never had it or heard of it before. And you KNOW it's healthy!
Then I reviewed SAT stuff, started to prep for LA for next Monday, and taught SAT. We did some flash card-making in class too. I'm not sure any of them are very motivated to really dig in and use them, but I thought at least they should have some time in class to make them. Except for Abby dear, of course. She knows it's important and said she remembers quizzing Hannah on flash cards during the garage sale one year.
Then home and unloading everything. I just rested some and listened to Dave Ramsey. I always need a little unwinding time after school. Then I made chicken divine for dinner, started my quiet time, finished dinner, we ate, and Jeff took Abby to dance tonight for their "make-up" classes from when it snowed. I was going to go to a coupon class at the library, but it was full, so now I just got to finish my QT, and blog, and next watch Chuck. My throat feels a little scratchy and my eyes are kind of burny, so I'll probably try to go to bed early tonight. Everyone around us is getting sick it seems, and I'd really like to avoid that.
I was thinking tonight when I was making dinner, "I wonder if Katie will think how we eat is weird when she gets home after eating differently for a few months?" When she was in Germany and had to cook for herself, I knew she'd be happy to come home and have some old favorites made for her, but I wondered if she'll miss Isabelle's meals of quiche, soupe, applesauce, etc. Maybe she'll just have to get recipes/learn how to make them, and then she can teach US to make them too. But alas, we will have to eat earlier than 8pm!
Also, I was wondering if French high school kids have after school activities that are over by a certain time so they can be home to eat with their families, or if it's like here, where activities take precedence and meals are worked around them or eaten on the run. Or maybe by eating later, they avoid the conflict. Just wondering....
Well, my eyes are tired of looking at a screen again, so I guess that will be it for tonight. Although I will say that it was warmer today--like getting close to 30 degrees--which seemed comfortable for a change! I still didn't walk because it was snowing fairly hard, and I'm not feeling 100%, but maybe tomorrow. I do like to take walks.... Until later, dear reader!
I got all of my copies made which is always a relief when it works, and I don't have to ask for help. Taught history and language arts. We had a little, informal debate/discussion where I had the boys take the colonists' side on one of the issues we talked about--the Townshend Acts which taxed paint, lead, glass, tea, wine, paper--and the girls take the British side. And then they switched for the Quartering Act which said that they had to house British soldiers, feed them, provide transporation, etc. The boys were sure the British soldiers would be very helpful--babysitting, working, etc. The girls were sure they would just eat all their food and take the horse when it was needed to plow, etc. It was lively, and I think they'll remember at least those issues from today! Middle schoolers love to debate, and boys vs. girls is always a favorite. They also timed themselves (boys v. girls) in matching up some flash cards I made.
I had a break and got all of my grading done for those two classes which is always great. Then lunch--broccoli noodle soup and bean soup and pudding, and these salads made from cucumber and tomato, and then also "keen-wah" which might be spelled "quinoa" but I'm not sure. It's a grain--a "super food" apparently. It looked very interesting and tasted good--like rice, and it had green peppers, onion, and radishes in with it too. Everything April makes is good even if I've never had it or heard of it before. And you KNOW it's healthy!
Then I reviewed SAT stuff, started to prep for LA for next Monday, and taught SAT. We did some flash card-making in class too. I'm not sure any of them are very motivated to really dig in and use them, but I thought at least they should have some time in class to make them. Except for Abby dear, of course. She knows it's important and said she remembers quizzing Hannah on flash cards during the garage sale one year.
Then home and unloading everything. I just rested some and listened to Dave Ramsey. I always need a little unwinding time after school. Then I made chicken divine for dinner, started my quiet time, finished dinner, we ate, and Jeff took Abby to dance tonight for their "make-up" classes from when it snowed. I was going to go to a coupon class at the library, but it was full, so now I just got to finish my QT, and blog, and next watch Chuck. My throat feels a little scratchy and my eyes are kind of burny, so I'll probably try to go to bed early tonight. Everyone around us is getting sick it seems, and I'd really like to avoid that.
I was thinking tonight when I was making dinner, "I wonder if Katie will think how we eat is weird when she gets home after eating differently for a few months?" When she was in Germany and had to cook for herself, I knew she'd be happy to come home and have some old favorites made for her, but I wondered if she'll miss Isabelle's meals of quiche, soupe, applesauce, etc. Maybe she'll just have to get recipes/learn how to make them, and then she can teach US to make them too. But alas, we will have to eat earlier than 8pm!
Also, I was wondering if French high school kids have after school activities that are over by a certain time so they can be home to eat with their families, or if it's like here, where activities take precedence and meals are worked around them or eaten on the run. Or maybe by eating later, they avoid the conflict. Just wondering....
Well, my eyes are tired of looking at a screen again, so I guess that will be it for tonight. Although I will say that it was warmer today--like getting close to 30 degrees--which seemed comfortable for a change! I still didn't walk because it was snowing fairly hard, and I'm not feeling 100%, but maybe tomorrow. I do like to take walks.... Until later, dear reader!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Quick Sunday Update
Well, we just skyped with Katie today, so I feel like I don't have a ton to blog about because I told her everything, but I'll write a quick little something.
It was great to see Hannah today, and we appreciated her treating us to lunch at Subway. We'll definitely go back and mooch some more since she has so much money left on her meal plan--I can get sweet tea, and coffee, and all the junk food I wouldn't normally spend money on. Today we even got French fries and Sunchips to go with our subs. Thanks, Hannah! :)
I just finished working on the prep for the SAT class. Reading section so pretty easy I think. I'm going to have them start making vocabulary flash cards if we have enough time in class.
I also reviewed history for tomorrow--we are getting into the nitty gritty of the American Revolution, so there will be a lot of battles and people to keep track of. I made some flash cards to start going over in class if we have time at the end. It's easier to learn them as we go than to expect them to learn them all for the test. And since I don't think any of them will be disciplined enough to do it on their own....
Jeff just took Abby to youth group, so now I guess we'll find something to eat--not terribly hungry since we had Subway for lunch. I didn't cook dinner Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. I did cook lunch on Saturday, but that doesn't seem to count. If it weren't so cold, fruit and yogurt would sound good.
We just watched a little weather report, and it's expected to be a low of 5 degrees with possible wind chills of -10 degrees. But then it's supposed to go up into the 20's after that this week!! Woo Hoo! Heat Wave! Well, maybe someday....
I just saw a commercial for Duck Tape, and it showed a girl making roses....Sound like anyone we know?
I loved, loved Katie's post! I feel like I can almost soak up the loveliness of it all, just by reading about it. Like reading a wonderful book. I know that traveling involves a lot of sacrifices of sleep, comfort (physical and just everything being new all the time at first), and some courage to tackle all of the new things and unknowns. But I'm really glad that all of those things are being rewarded by some really, truly amazing and will-remember-forever experiences of the best kind. I couldn't be happier for you, Katie Lou! Of course, we miss you, but we know your life is richer for being in France, and therefore ours are too, really, as we learn from you and share in your adventures. We're thankful for all of the ways to communicate so we don't get too sad about not getting to talk to you! Love you!
So, I guess I will now go and find something to eat and talk to my hubby. And then tomorrow a new week begins! I guess I'm ready for it--sort of! I never feel completely ready, but it always comes anyway. So, until later, dear reader!
It was great to see Hannah today, and we appreciated her treating us to lunch at Subway. We'll definitely go back and mooch some more since she has so much money left on her meal plan--I can get sweet tea, and coffee, and all the junk food I wouldn't normally spend money on. Today we even got French fries and Sunchips to go with our subs. Thanks, Hannah! :)
I just finished working on the prep for the SAT class. Reading section so pretty easy I think. I'm going to have them start making vocabulary flash cards if we have enough time in class.
I also reviewed history for tomorrow--we are getting into the nitty gritty of the American Revolution, so there will be a lot of battles and people to keep track of. I made some flash cards to start going over in class if we have time at the end. It's easier to learn them as we go than to expect them to learn them all for the test. And since I don't think any of them will be disciplined enough to do it on their own....
Jeff just took Abby to youth group, so now I guess we'll find something to eat--not terribly hungry since we had Subway for lunch. I didn't cook dinner Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. I did cook lunch on Saturday, but that doesn't seem to count. If it weren't so cold, fruit and yogurt would sound good.
We just watched a little weather report, and it's expected to be a low of 5 degrees with possible wind chills of -10 degrees. But then it's supposed to go up into the 20's after that this week!! Woo Hoo! Heat Wave! Well, maybe someday....
I just saw a commercial for Duck Tape, and it showed a girl making roses....Sound like anyone we know?
I loved, loved Katie's post! I feel like I can almost soak up the loveliness of it all, just by reading about it. Like reading a wonderful book. I know that traveling involves a lot of sacrifices of sleep, comfort (physical and just everything being new all the time at first), and some courage to tackle all of the new things and unknowns. But I'm really glad that all of those things are being rewarded by some really, truly amazing and will-remember-forever experiences of the best kind. I couldn't be happier for you, Katie Lou! Of course, we miss you, but we know your life is richer for being in France, and therefore ours are too, really, as we learn from you and share in your adventures. We're thankful for all of the ways to communicate so we don't get too sad about not getting to talk to you! Love you!
So, I guess I will now go and find something to eat and talk to my hubby. And then tomorrow a new week begins! I guess I'm ready for it--sort of! I never feel completely ready, but it always comes anyway. So, until later, dear reader!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Cold Weather, Warm Company
Awwww....I loved reading Katie's post today. She had such a picture-perfect, chapter-from-a-book kind of day. It could be called "A Day in the Country" in the book My Life in France. I feel so happy just to get to read about it all, and I can't wait to skype with her to hear about it more. Sounds so lovely, lovely.
Let's see, we did end up going out for a date last night, and it WAS super duper cold! However, that didn't prevent people from walking around without coats, or without zipping their coats, etc. Even little children weren't properly dressed! When did parents stop bundling up their kids at least? At least when it's below zero!
Anyway, we went to Chili's and it was packed (I thought everyone would have stayed home and ordered pizza :) We had a little trouble finding food that wasn't fried on the menu. Jeff's tummy wasn't feeling 100%, so he got some Sprite, and we were not sure exactly what he could eat that wouldn't upset it more. We did the two for $20 deal, and got a cajun chicken pasta and a Mexican-style chicken, rice, and black beans, plus an appetizer of chips, salsa, and guacamole. It was all very good. Oh, and I had blackberry iced tea too. We splurged and got drinks because we had a $25 gift card, and we wanted to use it all up!
Then we went to Marshall's and returned Katie's last pair of remaining shoes, went to Wal-Mart and got a hair magazine, plus some Neutrogena Hand Cream, plus some bins for basement storage. Then to Starbucks by our house for a mocha (me) and a "reduced fat berry coffee cake" (Jeff). It was really nice to sit and chat without any waiters or without worrying about what time they closed (that's why we didn't go to Panera). (That and the fact that we were out of restaurant money in our envelope, so we had to use gift cards. Thanks, Abby, for the Starbucks one for Christmas!) Got home around 10:30pm. It took me a long time to warm up after I went to bed!
Today, Abby took a practice ACT, I made chili, rice, and a cake for Ehne Thau's birthday. Then we went to get them. We found her new house, which is really in a large set of apartments. It's quite a ways from everyone. A mile from MaRian. Everyone is more spread out now, but still manageable. Home, French fries in the oven, and the little girls started playing right away. The bigger girls looked at the hair magazine. Eh Dah Doe wants blonde hair. Why is it that we always want what we can't/don't have? :) There was a section in the magazine about French hair styles. Again with the French stuff! :)
We ate, watched a movie called "Clique" and then the girls played "spoons" for a while before we took them home around 6pm.
We ate leftovers, watched "How to Train Your Dragon" that Abby watched last night, and then Jeff and Abby got it back to the RedBox at 9:00:20pm and it had to be back by 9pm! No fine! Way to go, guys! (It was close because Dad had a little problem putting it back in!)
Ehne Thau liked her birthday presents. I got her an orange coat, tie-dye orange and white jacket, and Uno. I was hoping her favorite color hadn't changed in the last few weeks, or I would have been way off. But it was still ORANGE! I think these girls are so sweet because no one ever says anything about wishing they had what someone else has, and ET said to me later, "I think you should look for something orange for Eh Dah Po because it's her favorite color too." They are just kind and thoughtful and sweet. And always grateful for anything we do for them. And they cleaned up the toys they had gotten out in the basement with one request and in a flash. THAT'S why I can have them over regularly!
They laughed SO hard playing spoons! At first Eh Ler and MaRian just watched, and the first time EhLer played, she grabbed a spoon when she had 2 nines and 2 sixes, and when everyone realized, they laughed and laughed! Such a lovely sound!
I was thinking about how good it is to know people from all over. To travel like Katie is doing, to meet people on campus like Hannah is doing, to have friends from many places. It makes stereotypes like, "All French people are rude," or "All American girls act like the ones in that Clique movie" or whatever the attitude is, so ridiculous! Katie's French family is much like her American one in many ways--many differences to be sure (the country house for one!), but still a family who laughs and jokes and loves one another. So, while there may be rude French people, mean American girls, etc, to categorize a whole nation of people is truly absurd. So that is my big idea for the day.
I have enjoyed Debt-Free U so far and feel very convinced that there are ways to avoid debt for college. Many things he says are things we've talked about before. (I can't remember if I've written this down before or just said it to Jeff, so skip past it if I'm repeating myself.) Like the fact that if one is in debt, one may have to work at a job that is not ideal just because it pays more to pay those student loan payments. This could be a major barrier to pursuing something you love that doesn't pay as well--at least initially. It just makes people start out so far behind. So, I am praying for a job someday soon that can help to pay for my girls' bills as needed, and I'm praying for good jobs for them this summer too! OK, so maybe I've had two big ideas today. That's it for me!
I do need to go to bed so that Abby can finish her blog, and I can get up early to go with them when they do music. Then we get to go have lunch with Hannah! Wow! We're eating out a lot on the generosity of others! Thanks everyone! So, until later, dear reader!
Let's see, we did end up going out for a date last night, and it WAS super duper cold! However, that didn't prevent people from walking around without coats, or without zipping their coats, etc. Even little children weren't properly dressed! When did parents stop bundling up their kids at least? At least when it's below zero!
Anyway, we went to Chili's and it was packed (I thought everyone would have stayed home and ordered pizza :) We had a little trouble finding food that wasn't fried on the menu. Jeff's tummy wasn't feeling 100%, so he got some Sprite, and we were not sure exactly what he could eat that wouldn't upset it more. We did the two for $20 deal, and got a cajun chicken pasta and a Mexican-style chicken, rice, and black beans, plus an appetizer of chips, salsa, and guacamole. It was all very good. Oh, and I had blackberry iced tea too. We splurged and got drinks because we had a $25 gift card, and we wanted to use it all up!
Then we went to Marshall's and returned Katie's last pair of remaining shoes, went to Wal-Mart and got a hair magazine, plus some Neutrogena Hand Cream, plus some bins for basement storage. Then to Starbucks by our house for a mocha (me) and a "reduced fat berry coffee cake" (Jeff). It was really nice to sit and chat without any waiters or without worrying about what time they closed (that's why we didn't go to Panera). (That and the fact that we were out of restaurant money in our envelope, so we had to use gift cards. Thanks, Abby, for the Starbucks one for Christmas!) Got home around 10:30pm. It took me a long time to warm up after I went to bed!
Today, Abby took a practice ACT, I made chili, rice, and a cake for Ehne Thau's birthday. Then we went to get them. We found her new house, which is really in a large set of apartments. It's quite a ways from everyone. A mile from MaRian. Everyone is more spread out now, but still manageable. Home, French fries in the oven, and the little girls started playing right away. The bigger girls looked at the hair magazine. Eh Dah Doe wants blonde hair. Why is it that we always want what we can't/don't have? :) There was a section in the magazine about French hair styles. Again with the French stuff! :)
We ate, watched a movie called "Clique" and then the girls played "spoons" for a while before we took them home around 6pm.
We ate leftovers, watched "How to Train Your Dragon" that Abby watched last night, and then Jeff and Abby got it back to the RedBox at 9:00:20pm and it had to be back by 9pm! No fine! Way to go, guys! (It was close because Dad had a little problem putting it back in!)
Ehne Thau liked her birthday presents. I got her an orange coat, tie-dye orange and white jacket, and Uno. I was hoping her favorite color hadn't changed in the last few weeks, or I would have been way off. But it was still ORANGE! I think these girls are so sweet because no one ever says anything about wishing they had what someone else has, and ET said to me later, "I think you should look for something orange for Eh Dah Po because it's her favorite color too." They are just kind and thoughtful and sweet. And always grateful for anything we do for them. And they cleaned up the toys they had gotten out in the basement with one request and in a flash. THAT'S why I can have them over regularly!
They laughed SO hard playing spoons! At first Eh Ler and MaRian just watched, and the first time EhLer played, she grabbed a spoon when she had 2 nines and 2 sixes, and when everyone realized, they laughed and laughed! Such a lovely sound!
I was thinking about how good it is to know people from all over. To travel like Katie is doing, to meet people on campus like Hannah is doing, to have friends from many places. It makes stereotypes like, "All French people are rude," or "All American girls act like the ones in that Clique movie" or whatever the attitude is, so ridiculous! Katie's French family is much like her American one in many ways--many differences to be sure (the country house for one!), but still a family who laughs and jokes and loves one another. So, while there may be rude French people, mean American girls, etc, to categorize a whole nation of people is truly absurd. So that is my big idea for the day.
I have enjoyed Debt-Free U so far and feel very convinced that there are ways to avoid debt for college. Many things he says are things we've talked about before. (I can't remember if I've written this down before or just said it to Jeff, so skip past it if I'm repeating myself.) Like the fact that if one is in debt, one may have to work at a job that is not ideal just because it pays more to pay those student loan payments. This could be a major barrier to pursuing something you love that doesn't pay as well--at least initially. It just makes people start out so far behind. So, I am praying for a job someday soon that can help to pay for my girls' bills as needed, and I'm praying for good jobs for them this summer too! OK, so maybe I've had two big ideas today. That's it for me!
I do need to go to bed so that Abby can finish her blog, and I can get up early to go with them when they do music. Then we get to go have lunch with Hannah! Wow! We're eating out a lot on the generosity of others! Thanks everyone! So, until later, dear reader!
Friday, January 21, 2011
It's C-C-C-Cold Outside! Brrrr......
Today it is BITTERLY cold! Abby checked, and the wind chill is -6 degrees. The actual temperature is below 20 and the wind whips by sometimes taking your breath away! Whew! Glad I don't work outside today!
I cleaned the house since it's Friday and all. I then ate lunch and went to the bread store in hopes of finding some more of that awesome bread we had last time. They didn't have the exact same kind, but I tried two other "multi-grain" ones to see if they are as good. Plus, I had a full "frequent shopper" card, so I got maple twist rolls for FREE! I decided to get something I wouldn't spend money on, but that I like (or at least I used to like them when I was a kid). I am looking forward to eating them with a cup of coffee tomorrow morning.
Then I went to the thrift store because I had a $5 off a $10 purchase coupon that expired on Sunday, and I did NOT want that to go to waste--no way! I got 11 items for $13. A skirt for school, three"grandpa" cardigans (one rust colored and one green and one baby blue), a grey long-sleeved Gap T-shirt, a burgundy/purply Ann Taylor cardigan with satin-covered buttons--three quarter length sleeves so dressier than just a cardigan. Also, a rust-colored silk Ann Taylor cardigan and a scarf that matches, a coral Gap turtleneck. And, a dark purple long-sleeved top, and a blue sweater. Wow! Many of the items were half-priced so they cost a dollar or even 75 cents, and then they took off $5 at the end. How nice! A very productive trip!
Then I came home and Abby ended up not having to babysit after all, so I am "helping" her with Geometry. Really, I'm just answering questions if she has them, doing my nails, checking email, reading Katie's blog, and now blogging myself.
Hannah called, and I was glad to hear that she is feeling better today. We talked about if she should go to the Korean food night with ShuFen and Andy, but since her stomach hasn't been feeling great, and it will be a late night, and it's off campus so she can't just walk home, she thought it might be best to stick with the h2o girls' night at a coffee shop. It's great to see how she is keeping up those relationships--or trying to when she can--even with Katie gone. However, Korean food doesn't sound like it would be the easiest on the tummy tonight! There will be other opportunities I'm sure.
Tonight Jeff and I are planning to finally use our Chili's gift card that he got from LT for helping out. Yes, we did plan to go out on the coldest night of the year. No, I am not excited about the cold, but Yes, I am excited to spend some time with my dear hubby and to get to chat and relax. And not having to cook dinner is great too. Abby just asked what was for dinner, and we decided that she could make a French bread pizza and then I'm totally off the hook! She has already ordered "How to Train Your Dragon" from the RedBox from Dad--I think there is back-rub repayment involved in him stopping to get it. We are also planning to return the one pair of shoes that Katie did not want to keep from Marshall's. Can't believe it's been over two weeks since we went shopping, and that she has been in France almost two weeks! Wow--time goes fast even in the dead of winter. Though I do feel like I've had some time to sleep and catch up, so maybe I've just slept through a lot of it!
I am planning to get my hair cut next Friday, so I am thinking I might want to get a new hairstyles magazine tonight too. I want to have a picture so I don't end up with something I really don't like. A picture really is worth a thousand words when dealing with hair--and it avoids major surprises when I say something that means something totally different to her.
Tomorrow the Karen girls are coming over, so I'll be making "soup and rice" in the morning. I also got "French friesh" since we haven't had them for so long--the girls or the FF. :) It looks like we may be going to Kent (to take a sleeping bag to Hannah for the Core Retreat) on Sunday after church and bumming lunch off of her too. We thought that was a fair trade. We've been warning her that we're going to come and mooch food off of her meal plan sometime. And now we are...Duh, Duh, Dunh....She was warned!
Well, that about sums up Friday here at our house. I think I will now go and have a quiet time before Jeff gets home--I'm getting hungry which is a good thing I think. Sometimes I'm not hungry enough when we go out for dinner, and that causes problems. But hopefully I won't be TOO hungry which has also caused problems in the past! At least we know where we're going, so I won't have to make decisions when I'm "hamster hungry" and can't think straight. Until next time, dear reader!
I cleaned the house since it's Friday and all. I then ate lunch and went to the bread store in hopes of finding some more of that awesome bread we had last time. They didn't have the exact same kind, but I tried two other "multi-grain" ones to see if they are as good. Plus, I had a full "frequent shopper" card, so I got maple twist rolls for FREE! I decided to get something I wouldn't spend money on, but that I like (or at least I used to like them when I was a kid). I am looking forward to eating them with a cup of coffee tomorrow morning.
Then I went to the thrift store because I had a $5 off a $10 purchase coupon that expired on Sunday, and I did NOT want that to go to waste--no way! I got 11 items for $13. A skirt for school, three"grandpa" cardigans (one rust colored and one green and one baby blue), a grey long-sleeved Gap T-shirt, a burgundy/purply Ann Taylor cardigan with satin-covered buttons--three quarter length sleeves so dressier than just a cardigan. Also, a rust-colored silk Ann Taylor cardigan and a scarf that matches, a coral Gap turtleneck. And, a dark purple long-sleeved top, and a blue sweater. Wow! Many of the items were half-priced so they cost a dollar or even 75 cents, and then they took off $5 at the end. How nice! A very productive trip!
Then I came home and Abby ended up not having to babysit after all, so I am "helping" her with Geometry. Really, I'm just answering questions if she has them, doing my nails, checking email, reading Katie's blog, and now blogging myself.
Hannah called, and I was glad to hear that she is feeling better today. We talked about if she should go to the Korean food night with ShuFen and Andy, but since her stomach hasn't been feeling great, and it will be a late night, and it's off campus so she can't just walk home, she thought it might be best to stick with the h2o girls' night at a coffee shop. It's great to see how she is keeping up those relationships--or trying to when she can--even with Katie gone. However, Korean food doesn't sound like it would be the easiest on the tummy tonight! There will be other opportunities I'm sure.
Tonight Jeff and I are planning to finally use our Chili's gift card that he got from LT for helping out. Yes, we did plan to go out on the coldest night of the year. No, I am not excited about the cold, but Yes, I am excited to spend some time with my dear hubby and to get to chat and relax. And not having to cook dinner is great too. Abby just asked what was for dinner, and we decided that she could make a French bread pizza and then I'm totally off the hook! She has already ordered "How to Train Your Dragon" from the RedBox from Dad--I think there is back-rub repayment involved in him stopping to get it. We are also planning to return the one pair of shoes that Katie did not want to keep from Marshall's. Can't believe it's been over two weeks since we went shopping, and that she has been in France almost two weeks! Wow--time goes fast even in the dead of winter. Though I do feel like I've had some time to sleep and catch up, so maybe I've just slept through a lot of it!
I am planning to get my hair cut next Friday, so I am thinking I might want to get a new hairstyles magazine tonight too. I want to have a picture so I don't end up with something I really don't like. A picture really is worth a thousand words when dealing with hair--and it avoids major surprises when I say something that means something totally different to her.
Tomorrow the Karen girls are coming over, so I'll be making "soup and rice" in the morning. I also got "French friesh" since we haven't had them for so long--the girls or the FF. :) It looks like we may be going to Kent (to take a sleeping bag to Hannah for the Core Retreat) on Sunday after church and bumming lunch off of her too. We thought that was a fair trade. We've been warning her that we're going to come and mooch food off of her meal plan sometime. And now we are...Duh, Duh, Dunh....She was warned!
Well, that about sums up Friday here at our house. I think I will now go and have a quiet time before Jeff gets home--I'm getting hungry which is a good thing I think. Sometimes I'm not hungry enough when we go out for dinner, and that causes problems. But hopefully I won't be TOO hungry which has also caused problems in the past! At least we know where we're going, so I won't have to make decisions when I'm "hamster hungry" and can't think straight. Until next time, dear reader!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A ThursDay in the Life
Today I went to Angie's house and visited with her, but Alycia couldn't come because she and Ellie had colds. Funny Zakk story. They got a kitchen play set for Christmas with LOTS of plastic food, spices--it's quite a deluxe kitchen with a microwave, pot hooks, a refrigerator, stove. But Zakk had a plastic cucumber in his mouth, and Angie reminded him not to really bite it. He said, "It's my PIPE!" She asked him what a pipe was, and he said, "It's got hot fire in it and smoke coming out of it." When she tried to convince him that pipes weren't a good thing, and asked where he saw one, he said, "Pongo's dad on Dalmatians has one, and they're cool!" Oh, Zakk! Smoking a pipe at four! :)
As I left there, Hannah had called, and I listened to her message, and called her back to help her with discussion questions when she said our whole family was on skype working on it with her. What a family that pulls together to help each other! Gotta love that, and the fact that her class discussion went well! Yay!
I came home and made lunch (grilled cheese, but the bread wasn't nearly as good as the multi-grain kind we had last), did laundry, went for a walk, had a quiet time, Abby went to babysit, I made "Katie Casserole" for dinner, worked on the syllabus for the language arts class, and we ate, cleaned up and here I am. Still need to prepare for the SAT class for Monday, but I think I might be too tired to think about that tonight. I'd rather read Debt-Free U anyway!
Loved Katie's blog post today too. Nice and long and full of good details. Jeff and I were talking about how we picture Herve and Isabelle--I'll bet we're way off--well, at least one of us is, because we picture them differently. If you can get a picture of them without it being awkward, we'd love to see them. Maybe at their country house this weekend? How fun will that be? Fun, I hope! How far away is it? When will you leave and come back? What will you do? Where is it? Another new adventure.
Well, that about sums up my day. Not much happened, and my brain has been occupied most of the time with what I listed, so I haven't had any great thoughts going on. :)
American Idol is starting again. You know, two nights a week full of auditions. Woo Hoo!
I'm not feeling great, so I think I'll be going to bed early tonight. My eyes are burny and my head hurts a little. Therefore, I think I'll stop looking at this computer screen now. So until later, dear reader!
As I left there, Hannah had called, and I listened to her message, and called her back to help her with discussion questions when she said our whole family was on skype working on it with her. What a family that pulls together to help each other! Gotta love that, and the fact that her class discussion went well! Yay!
I came home and made lunch (grilled cheese, but the bread wasn't nearly as good as the multi-grain kind we had last), did laundry, went for a walk, had a quiet time, Abby went to babysit, I made "Katie Casserole" for dinner, worked on the syllabus for the language arts class, and we ate, cleaned up and here I am. Still need to prepare for the SAT class for Monday, but I think I might be too tired to think about that tonight. I'd rather read Debt-Free U anyway!
Loved Katie's blog post today too. Nice and long and full of good details. Jeff and I were talking about how we picture Herve and Isabelle--I'll bet we're way off--well, at least one of us is, because we picture them differently. If you can get a picture of them without it being awkward, we'd love to see them. Maybe at their country house this weekend? How fun will that be? Fun, I hope! How far away is it? When will you leave and come back? What will you do? Where is it? Another new adventure.
Well, that about sums up my day. Not much happened, and my brain has been occupied most of the time with what I listed, so I haven't had any great thoughts going on. :)
American Idol is starting again. You know, two nights a week full of auditions. Woo Hoo!
I'm not feeling great, so I think I'll be going to bed early tonight. My eyes are burny and my head hurts a little. Therefore, I think I'll stop looking at this computer screen now. So until later, dear reader!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Teaching, Errands, and American Idol
I don't really think this is the best use of my time, but I'm watching "American Idol" with the new judges. Well, they aren't here watching with me; I'm watching the show, and IT has the new judges. (It would be way too creepy to have Steven Tyler here, but JLo seems nice.) It's just so many people who really can't sing. But, I am also reading a book I just got from the library today called Debt-Free U about getting through college without debt. Very timely and suggested by Dave Ramsey. The guy who wrote it is 21, and by the time he was a freshman in college, he had a five figure stock portfolio, so he knows something about money. He also reinforces the concept that the most expensive school is not necessary to get a good education, a good job, and to live a happy, productive life. Just good to have someone else say it. I'll be interested to see how he proposes the rest of us regular folks manage this feat.
Today, I went to BOW around 11am and made copies for science. I actually figured out how to make double-sided copies without help. Amazing! I ate lunch and then taught a whole module of science and still finished 10 minutes early. I had to keep feeding the kids candy to keep them from zoning out. :) Of course, I still had people forgetting their stuff from before break and not handing in their assignments on time. We'll have to work on that!
We went to the library and Abby went in and stayed there while I went to the bank and Giant Eagle. Picked up Abby and home to unload everything, helped Abby a wee bit with Geometry, and then she watched "Stick It" and I kind of did too and started my quiet time. Whew. Then I made spaghetti for dinner--Jeff had a meeting with Mike and Dick, so he wasn't here. Started reading my book, then AI came on, and here we are.
I got a phone call from Kent State--a nice Freshman girl who is an English major--wanting to tell me about a scholarship I may not have heard about. It involves giving money to the University and then having your name put into a drawing to win a scholarship. They didn't seem interested in any amount under $100, but I could have split it up into easy payments! Sorry, we're trying to save our money to actually PAY for college, not give it in hopes of "winning" some money for college. And the scholarship--at least one of them--was a $500 book scholarship. Kinda like the lottery, huh?
Last night Greta's tummy was growling, but she wouldn't eat her food. Jeff finally put her outside to go potty, and of course she had to be washed off afterward, so when we went to bed, she was still wet. So Jeff put a blanket on the ottoman and made her sleep there. She made the most pitiful noises, but she stayed there all night until 6:15am when Jeff's alarm went off, and I moved her over. She seems OK today and ate her food and all. Maybe it was a doggy religious holiday yesterday and she was fasting. I don't know. She's a funny dog!
I'm supposed to go to Angie's house tomorrow to chat with her and Alycia--first time in a very long time. Now I just hope that no one's kids get sick--that's always a risk this time of year. Well, anytime of year with little kids. We don't have Bible study tomorrow night because Ron and Linda have been sick for a couple of weeks with colds/bronchitis. Glad they aren't spreading it to us. They're thoughtful that way.
It's been a good day. I like teaching at BOW. But dear Dick Goddard just said that there may be a lot more snow coming our way. I am getting a little tired of that. Today was cold, rainy/sleety/snowy, and so I didn't go for a walk. Too tired after all of that other stuff and the yucky weather wasn't appealing. Whatcha gonna do? It's Ohio in January, huh?
OK, time to go to bed now. Till later, dear reader!
Today, I went to BOW around 11am and made copies for science. I actually figured out how to make double-sided copies without help. Amazing! I ate lunch and then taught a whole module of science and still finished 10 minutes early. I had to keep feeding the kids candy to keep them from zoning out. :) Of course, I still had people forgetting their stuff from before break and not handing in their assignments on time. We'll have to work on that!
We went to the library and Abby went in and stayed there while I went to the bank and Giant Eagle. Picked up Abby and home to unload everything, helped Abby a wee bit with Geometry, and then she watched "Stick It" and I kind of did too and started my quiet time. Whew. Then I made spaghetti for dinner--Jeff had a meeting with Mike and Dick, so he wasn't here. Started reading my book, then AI came on, and here we are.
I got a phone call from Kent State--a nice Freshman girl who is an English major--wanting to tell me about a scholarship I may not have heard about. It involves giving money to the University and then having your name put into a drawing to win a scholarship. They didn't seem interested in any amount under $100, but I could have split it up into easy payments! Sorry, we're trying to save our money to actually PAY for college, not give it in hopes of "winning" some money for college. And the scholarship--at least one of them--was a $500 book scholarship. Kinda like the lottery, huh?
Last night Greta's tummy was growling, but she wouldn't eat her food. Jeff finally put her outside to go potty, and of course she had to be washed off afterward, so when we went to bed, she was still wet. So Jeff put a blanket on the ottoman and made her sleep there. She made the most pitiful noises, but she stayed there all night until 6:15am when Jeff's alarm went off, and I moved her over. She seems OK today and ate her food and all. Maybe it was a doggy religious holiday yesterday and she was fasting. I don't know. She's a funny dog!
I'm supposed to go to Angie's house tomorrow to chat with her and Alycia--first time in a very long time. Now I just hope that no one's kids get sick--that's always a risk this time of year. Well, anytime of year with little kids. We don't have Bible study tomorrow night because Ron and Linda have been sick for a couple of weeks with colds/bronchitis. Glad they aren't spreading it to us. They're thoughtful that way.
It's been a good day. I like teaching at BOW. But dear Dick Goddard just said that there may be a lot more snow coming our way. I am getting a little tired of that. Today was cold, rainy/sleety/snowy, and so I didn't go for a walk. Too tired after all of that other stuff and the yucky weather wasn't appealing. Whatcha gonna do? It's Ohio in January, huh?
OK, time to go to bed now. Till later, dear reader!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, Tuesday
Today was really somewhat normal again. It was a nice "warm" 40 degrees (at least on our thermometer which is maybe all relative), so I went for a walk this morning before it started to rain this afternoon. I then worked on American History prep and Language Arts and realized I goofed up the Physical Science syllabus again. Third time I've printed it out! At least I caught it before I confused all of the children.
We went to Urban Vision at 3pm, and I helped in the reading room which is fairly easy now. I like the plan and organization of it all. Then with homework at 5pm--saw James for a minute. Talked to Ehne Thau who told me, "I moved my house!" They have "moved their house" several times in the years we have known them, but we won't be sad to see their driveway on Tallmadge Ave. go. I think they live near the school now.
It sounds like they can all come to our house on Saturday. They don't have school on Friday either, but Abby and I do have things we need to do.
Then I took Eh Dah Doe home, went to Marc's and got some fruits and veggies, went back to pick up Abby and took Eh Dah Po home, then took Abby to dance. It sounded like teaching her first ballet class went well. The girl who is helping her seems really nice. And I'm sure she'll blog more about this herself, but she was offered an internship to help with the teens this summer. Rodney said as soon as they know what they're doing, he may have things for Katie too. (Any interest in that too, Hannah?) It could have some pay involved, but that is yet to be seen. Sounds like Abby would be helping the teen leaders with planning and events since she is a teen herself, and they are trying to have the teens plan and implement the summer activities. (With much direction of course!) (See, I like parantheses too, KT!)
It was a cold and rainy night. It seems like it always is when I have to leave UV and go to Marc's and then come back. Why is that? I will be glad for warmer weather and more daylight. I've been in hibernation mode. Unfortunately, I think it's supposed to get very cold again at the end of the week.
Oh, while I was making dinner last night--the homemade mac and cheese especially--I was thinking about Isabelle while I was making the "roux" for the "bechamel" sauce. So very French until I added the Velveeta cheese which would have horrified her. I'll bet they don't have that at any of their cheese courses! Ah well, we Americans like "American cheese" (food product?) :)
Tonight when I was reading with Be Bin just at the end of the period when we got there, she was reading about Thomas Jefferson going to...of all places...France. Saying "bon jour" and eating apple pie and ice cream? I don't know. It could be so. But I kind of wondered about him eating "potatoes fried in the French manner" which looked like a box of McDonald's fries. Hmmm...who's writing these books?
It sounded so cozy reading Katie's blog about the family dinner and sitting in the living room around a fireplace talking with Grandmama and everything. How lovely! And dinner sounded really good. I was going to ask her if she'd had any meat since she was there. Maybe a daily posting of dinner menus would be good. :) I think we've gotten most of the meals reported so far though. What's the pasta like? Red sauce, white, meat, veggies? And I'm glad they don't seem concerned at all about being out at night alone. There aren't many places around here that I would feel that way. I would like to know more about the Cafe' where people practice languages? I guess that's the gist of it. How interesting to get to meet others besides just students too. Lovely, simply lovely.
Hoping Hannah had a good day with her busy Tuesday schedule and first day back and all. It wasn't a very nice day to have to be out, but I hope it all went well and the homework wasn't too much.
Well, Jeff went to pick up Abby, so I think I shall have a brief quiet time before I head to bed. Have to teach again tomorrow--a whole module of science--hope those kids are ready for it! It's not too hard though--weather and its prediction. Guess we'll see.
Good night, dear reader!
We went to Urban Vision at 3pm, and I helped in the reading room which is fairly easy now. I like the plan and organization of it all. Then with homework at 5pm--saw James for a minute. Talked to Ehne Thau who told me, "I moved my house!" They have "moved their house" several times in the years we have known them, but we won't be sad to see their driveway on Tallmadge Ave. go. I think they live near the school now.
It sounds like they can all come to our house on Saturday. They don't have school on Friday either, but Abby and I do have things we need to do.
Then I took Eh Dah Doe home, went to Marc's and got some fruits and veggies, went back to pick up Abby and took Eh Dah Po home, then took Abby to dance. It sounded like teaching her first ballet class went well. The girl who is helping her seems really nice. And I'm sure she'll blog more about this herself, but she was offered an internship to help with the teens this summer. Rodney said as soon as they know what they're doing, he may have things for Katie too. (Any interest in that too, Hannah?) It could have some pay involved, but that is yet to be seen. Sounds like Abby would be helping the teen leaders with planning and events since she is a teen herself, and they are trying to have the teens plan and implement the summer activities. (With much direction of course!) (See, I like parantheses too, KT!)
It was a cold and rainy night. It seems like it always is when I have to leave UV and go to Marc's and then come back. Why is that? I will be glad for warmer weather and more daylight. I've been in hibernation mode. Unfortunately, I think it's supposed to get very cold again at the end of the week.
Oh, while I was making dinner last night--the homemade mac and cheese especially--I was thinking about Isabelle while I was making the "roux" for the "bechamel" sauce. So very French until I added the Velveeta cheese which would have horrified her. I'll bet they don't have that at any of their cheese courses! Ah well, we Americans like "American cheese" (food product?) :)
Tonight when I was reading with Be Bin just at the end of the period when we got there, she was reading about Thomas Jefferson going to...of all places...France. Saying "bon jour" and eating apple pie and ice cream? I don't know. It could be so. But I kind of wondered about him eating "potatoes fried in the French manner" which looked like a box of McDonald's fries. Hmmm...who's writing these books?
It sounded so cozy reading Katie's blog about the family dinner and sitting in the living room around a fireplace talking with Grandmama and everything. How lovely! And dinner sounded really good. I was going to ask her if she'd had any meat since she was there. Maybe a daily posting of dinner menus would be good. :) I think we've gotten most of the meals reported so far though. What's the pasta like? Red sauce, white, meat, veggies? And I'm glad they don't seem concerned at all about being out at night alone. There aren't many places around here that I would feel that way. I would like to know more about the Cafe' where people practice languages? I guess that's the gist of it. How interesting to get to meet others besides just students too. Lovely, simply lovely.
Hoping Hannah had a good day with her busy Tuesday schedule and first day back and all. It wasn't a very nice day to have to be out, but I hope it all went well and the homework wasn't too much.
Well, Jeff went to pick up Abby, so I think I shall have a brief quiet time before I head to bed. Have to teach again tomorrow--a whole module of science--hope those kids are ready for it! It's not too hard though--weather and its prediction. Guess we'll see.
Good night, dear reader!
Monday, January 17, 2011
MLK Day, 2011
OK, posting late again, so not too long, but some funny/weird things to report!
We had a good day working on school though I didn't get as much done as I had hoped of course. After a walk in the afternoon, Hannah and I went to Target to do a little shopping before dinner. I made ham, mac and cheese, glazed carrots, peaches, and crescent rolls. Then we took Hannah back to Kent.
We got home half-way through Chuck, and weird thing #1, the setting was the Loire Valley in France!! Amazing!! Sarah said that it was the most beautiful place she had ever been. Ahhh....A reminder of our Katie!
Then, we watched "Lie to Me" after that and at the end, he was reading one of his daughter's books, and as he opened it, he said, "It's in FRENCH!!" Katie reminder #2!
Then, just after that, Dick Goddard was talking about the freezing rain that is coming overnight, and he called it a "parfait" of precipitation. Hardly "perfect," but still, a Katie reminder #3!!
Sounds like she had a busy day, and I'm looking forward to hearing more about it. :)
It was really nice to have Hannah home today on a Monday. It made it feel like before she went to college when we were all working on stuff and taking a break to chat or laugh or play "Never have I ever" for a few minutes. Sad to take her back, but glad to have had the weekend together. We talked about steady plodding bringing prosperity--good to remember at the beginning of a semester when there seems to be much plodding to be done. But in a few short weeks, we'll realize it's all behind us, and I'm praying that we all work hard and run the race to win--read that in I Corinthians this weekend too. Good to remember when I feel tired and sluggish and not much like running a race.
Speaking of which, I should really go to bed now. I need to get up in the morning and work on the school stuff I didn't get done today. I want to be done with prep tomorrow for Wed. and next Monday. I just got through science for Wed. today, so I still have 3 classes for Monday to do tomorrow.
Hopefully, tomorrow I will have more time to blog! Until then, dear reader!
We had a good day working on school though I didn't get as much done as I had hoped of course. After a walk in the afternoon, Hannah and I went to Target to do a little shopping before dinner. I made ham, mac and cheese, glazed carrots, peaches, and crescent rolls. Then we took Hannah back to Kent.
We got home half-way through Chuck, and weird thing #1, the setting was the Loire Valley in France!! Amazing!! Sarah said that it was the most beautiful place she had ever been. Ahhh....A reminder of our Katie!
Then, we watched "Lie to Me" after that and at the end, he was reading one of his daughter's books, and as he opened it, he said, "It's in FRENCH!!" Katie reminder #2!
Then, just after that, Dick Goddard was talking about the freezing rain that is coming overnight, and he called it a "parfait" of precipitation. Hardly "perfect," but still, a Katie reminder #3!!
Sounds like she had a busy day, and I'm looking forward to hearing more about it. :)
It was really nice to have Hannah home today on a Monday. It made it feel like before she went to college when we were all working on stuff and taking a break to chat or laugh or play "Never have I ever" for a few minutes. Sad to take her back, but glad to have had the weekend together. We talked about steady plodding bringing prosperity--good to remember at the beginning of a semester when there seems to be much plodding to be done. But in a few short weeks, we'll realize it's all behind us, and I'm praying that we all work hard and run the race to win--read that in I Corinthians this weekend too. Good to remember when I feel tired and sluggish and not much like running a race.
Speaking of which, I should really go to bed now. I need to get up in the morning and work on the school stuff I didn't get done today. I want to be done with prep tomorrow for Wed. and next Monday. I just got through science for Wed. today, so I still have 3 classes for Monday to do tomorrow.
Hopefully, tomorrow I will have more time to blog! Until then, dear reader!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sunday
This will be short since it's 10pm, and I'm tired! But we had a nice evening with the Cute Kiddos of Kent. Except that Mason was tired or not feeling well or something and cried off and on most of the time. Not wailing, just very pathetic and sad... :( Poor leetle guy! Maddie didn't cry once though, and she used to be the saddest one. She just ran around and played and hammed it up for the camera. Jeff got some adorable pictures! Carter loved playing basketball with Jeff. At one point, Jeff was holding Mason, and Carter said, "Give him to HER..." meaning give Mason to me so Jeff could play. Cute. And Brooklynn was her ever-social cute little self--very good at sharing her toys with everyone.
After we dropped Hannah off for music practice, Jeff and I went to Gabe's, and I got Ehne Thau a birthday present since her birthday was on Saturday. An orange coat (for $7) and a little jacket--white with tie-dye orange on it (for $3) and some UNO cards. Love Gabe's--all that for $13. Her favorite color is orange now I guess and since I messed that up at Christmas, I thought I'd try to do better for her birthday. :)
I also got 3 pairs of earrings to make necklaces with. They're huge and dangly and way too big for earrings, but they'll make great necklackes. I hope, and I hope I can sell them eventually.
We dropped Abby off at the Hares, and they took her to youth group and kindly brought her home too. Sounds like all went well there too.
We watched Undercover Boss which I always like--to see the different jobs people do, and to see/hear people's stories about their lives, and then to see how the boss with money can be generous and reward people who work so hard and don't usually get any recognition. There are always tears and shock and amazement! I just thought how much more amazing it will be when we get to heaven, and God says, "I saw all those things you did for Me, and now you will get your reward!" Way better than money or paid vacations, etc. Nice to know and good to remember when we do things like babysit, that it's not just babysitting, but it's serving others and therefore serving God, who does indeed notice and care and keep track!
It was awesome to skype with Katie a little while today, although it felt too short, and I didn't want to leave when we needed to. Oh well, there will be other times. Glad she's doing well and praying for her to be put in the perfect level wherever that will be--enough to learn new things, but not so hard that she never gets to do anything but study. We want her to have time to have fun too!! One doesn't get to France every day, you know!
Tomorrow is work-on-school day! I have a lot to do and need to crank it out! But I have the time I think, so it should get done. Time to face reality once again. But I'm very thankful that I don't have to go and teach tomorrow! I guess it's not really reality yet after all. One more day of "vacation."
But now, I must go to bed--I simply must! Can't be sleeping in too late tomorrow. We went to the second service only today which seemed really weird, but it was nice to sleep in a little today too. I'm finally catching up! So, good night, dear reader!
After we dropped Hannah off for music practice, Jeff and I went to Gabe's, and I got Ehne Thau a birthday present since her birthday was on Saturday. An orange coat (for $7) and a little jacket--white with tie-dye orange on it (for $3) and some UNO cards. Love Gabe's--all that for $13. Her favorite color is orange now I guess and since I messed that up at Christmas, I thought I'd try to do better for her birthday. :)
I also got 3 pairs of earrings to make necklaces with. They're huge and dangly and way too big for earrings, but they'll make great necklackes. I hope, and I hope I can sell them eventually.
We dropped Abby off at the Hares, and they took her to youth group and kindly brought her home too. Sounds like all went well there too.
We watched Undercover Boss which I always like--to see the different jobs people do, and to see/hear people's stories about their lives, and then to see how the boss with money can be generous and reward people who work so hard and don't usually get any recognition. There are always tears and shock and amazement! I just thought how much more amazing it will be when we get to heaven, and God says, "I saw all those things you did for Me, and now you will get your reward!" Way better than money or paid vacations, etc. Nice to know and good to remember when we do things like babysit, that it's not just babysitting, but it's serving others and therefore serving God, who does indeed notice and care and keep track!
It was awesome to skype with Katie a little while today, although it felt too short, and I didn't want to leave when we needed to. Oh well, there will be other times. Glad she's doing well and praying for her to be put in the perfect level wherever that will be--enough to learn new things, but not so hard that she never gets to do anything but study. We want her to have time to have fun too!! One doesn't get to France every day, you know!
Tomorrow is work-on-school day! I have a lot to do and need to crank it out! But I have the time I think, so it should get done. Time to face reality once again. But I'm very thankful that I don't have to go and teach tomorrow! I guess it's not really reality yet after all. One more day of "vacation."
But now, I must go to bed--I simply must! Can't be sleeping in too late tomorrow. We went to the second service only today which seemed really weird, but it was nice to sleep in a little today too. I'm finally catching up! So, good night, dear reader!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Short Blog from a Tired Me
We watched Benny and Joon last night again, so Abby could see it. We all really enjoyed it even though it's a strange/quirky movie!
Today, Jeff took Abby to Brandon's house and when he came back, we worked on the budget. Hannah wanted to sit through that with us to see what it takes to do, so she joined us. We actually had some extra money to figure out what to do with! Yay!
We just barely got that done, and it was time to grab some food and head to the bank, to pick up Abby, and then head to Wooster. We were a little early, so just Troy and Kata were there when we got there. Randy and MJ had gone to calling hours for someone. So we met Troy and chatted with them, then Randy and MJ came home, and we talked to them too until about 4:15pm. Got to video skype with Katie for a short few minutes--good to see her lovely face! Hope to chat more for real tomorrow.
Then Dad had an awesome idea to go to Coccia House for pizza since we were in Wooster. It's supposed to be the best pizza around, and we knew it had to be pretty amazing since we got there at 4:35pm and saw that it didn't open until 5pm. But there were already people waiting in the parking lot to go in while the employees were rushing in too. Good sign. We went in as soon as we saw another family go and got seated before 5. The waitress warned us that a pizza with the works would take a while, but we never imagined we wouldn't get our pizza until 6pm! However, we had a great time talking, and the pizza was really delicious. Such good sauce and crust and toppings! YUM! (We'll have to go back with Katie in the summer--we'd be glad to go again!) And we each have one more piece to eat for lunch tomorrow.
We also realized at dinner that we only have to go to one service tomorrow, so I'm not sure which one that will be, but it's kind of nice. We don't often get that opportunity. Good since we have a busy evening with h2o/IMPACT.
So, now we are watching What Not to Wear--it's a bunch of Mommy Makeovers. They got rid of a lot of bad jeans and t-shirts, plus some oversized hoodies! Replaced with many lovely dresses, skirts, good jeans, and pretty tops...Ahhhh....So much better!
Well, I'm kinda tired and hoping to chat with Katie tomorrow, so we can fill her/you in more on our visit with the family. Oh, their wedding date is April 14, 2012. In Wooster. Just FYI.
That's all for tonight, dear reader!
Today, Jeff took Abby to Brandon's house and when he came back, we worked on the budget. Hannah wanted to sit through that with us to see what it takes to do, so she joined us. We actually had some extra money to figure out what to do with! Yay!
We just barely got that done, and it was time to grab some food and head to the bank, to pick up Abby, and then head to Wooster. We were a little early, so just Troy and Kata were there when we got there. Randy and MJ had gone to calling hours for someone. So we met Troy and chatted with them, then Randy and MJ came home, and we talked to them too until about 4:15pm. Got to video skype with Katie for a short few minutes--good to see her lovely face! Hope to chat more for real tomorrow.
Then Dad had an awesome idea to go to Coccia House for pizza since we were in Wooster. It's supposed to be the best pizza around, and we knew it had to be pretty amazing since we got there at 4:35pm and saw that it didn't open until 5pm. But there were already people waiting in the parking lot to go in while the employees were rushing in too. Good sign. We went in as soon as we saw another family go and got seated before 5. The waitress warned us that a pizza with the works would take a while, but we never imagined we wouldn't get our pizza until 6pm! However, we had a great time talking, and the pizza was really delicious. Such good sauce and crust and toppings! YUM! (We'll have to go back with Katie in the summer--we'd be glad to go again!) And we each have one more piece to eat for lunch tomorrow.
We also realized at dinner that we only have to go to one service tomorrow, so I'm not sure which one that will be, but it's kind of nice. We don't often get that opportunity. Good since we have a busy evening with h2o/IMPACT.
So, now we are watching What Not to Wear--it's a bunch of Mommy Makeovers. They got rid of a lot of bad jeans and t-shirts, plus some oversized hoodies! Replaced with many lovely dresses, skirts, good jeans, and pretty tops...Ahhhh....So much better!
Well, I'm kinda tired and hoping to chat with Katie tomorrow, so we can fill her/you in more on our visit with the family. Oh, their wedding date is April 14, 2012. In Wooster. Just FYI.
That's all for tonight, dear reader!
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Fairly Productive Friday
Last night I continued reading Jon Acuff's book and laughed out loud at many parts. I sometimes think it's better when you read it to yourself than out loud because it strikes you differently--maybe it's imagining how he would say it or something. Even though I've only heard him a couple of times thanks to Abby. And no criticism meant about how Jeff read it. It could also be that I was so tired out I couldn't "get" the funny things as well. Anyway, I have enjoyed it.
I also looked through some hair magazines and online for pictures for a new hair cut. My hair is way too long, and I'd love to do something different. But having curly hair just makes it so difficult to do anything really different besides longer or shorter. Alas...
Today I cleaned the house and found myself having time to do the things I haven't had time to do for a while like really scrub the kitchen sink, wash my comforter, take down more of the "winter" decorations that really looked too much like Christmas. I left up the white lights for a little while more because it makes everything more cozy, but got rid of most of the red/green stuff. I finished that around 12:30pm, ate some soup, and a lady came to pick up her bracelet that she had ordered in December. I had made one with a clasp and one with elastic in case she couldn't manage the clasp--it's hard to do one-handed. She liked them both, but did have trouble with the clasp, so picked the elastic one. When she asked how much she owed me and I said $7, she said, "Oh! Only $7? Then I'll take them both!" So I made $14 more today! What a nice surprise!
I went for a walk right after she left, and right after I got back, I went to pick up Hannah to come home for the weekend. It was a smooth trip over and back, and it's great to have her home. We chatted with Abby for a little before she had to go to "work" babysitting. It IS work, by the way, but we always say she's going to work. She said Nathan likes it when she speaks with her Gru/Katie inspired Russian accent!
I made smoked sausage and tilapia, au gratin potatoes (from a box, I must confess!), peas, applesauce, banana cc muffins. I almost burned the muffins because right about when I should have been watching them closely, Hannah was reading us Katie's blog post, and I got so interested in that, I almost forgot them. They were nicely browned just like Katie likes them! But the rest of us ate them just the same.
We cleaned up the kitchen, and Hannah's laundry is almost done, and we're sitting here on our laptops while poor Dad went to get gas in the van. Gas prices are supposed to go up, so right now $3.03 is a bargain (?). Eek.
It looks like we'll be babysitting for h2o on Sunday night while Abby is at IMPACT--Lindsay called today to ask, since a friend from the community is coming for the first time, and she really wanted to be there to sit with them, etc. Hopefully, Andrew and Kara can handle it if we give them a heads-up. They've done a great job so far, and I don't really think they need us much. So, we can see the kiddos of Kent again--it's been a long time!
It was kind of weird to go to Kent to pick up Hannah and not as least see Katie. We were talking as we were drying the dishes about all the "states of normal" we have in our family. When everyone's home, that seems really normal. But then we got adjusted to a new normal when Katie went to college, so now with four of us home, it also seems normal. But then, when both H and K are away, it seems normal with three of us. I guess it's good that we can adjust to whatever circumstance we are in. My favorite normal though is always when all five of us are home! :) What can I say? I love my family!! Each and every one!
I have immensely enjoyed Katie's blog posts. But I have lots of questions to ask her too--hopefully we can video skype sometime so we can ask all of our questions. Like, do people really all wear black/dark colors? What is her house like? Which shoes does she wear the most? Has she had time to check out the campus Bible study group? What did she wear when she dressed so cute today? We want pictures too! But I know she will get to that when she can--and I'm just so happy that she's feeling better and can enjoy the theater (play or movie? Abby and I thought play, Hannah, movie--and then she found a trailer for the movie, so we guess she's right.) and the other exciting traveling she'll be doing Saturday. We love you, Kaite!
Tomorrow is Working on the Budget Day! Yay! I really like re-doing it to make sure we're adjusting for changes in our income. Since we have new insurance, etc. we have to see how things change and then make it all work out. It gives me such peace of mind when I pay bills to know that everything is accounted for, we're saving what we can, we've anticipated what "other than monthly" bills we have coming in, and we're ready for them! True Financial Peace. Thanks, Dave Ramsey. I needed it to be laid out for me just like that.
Abby is going to the leadership meeting tomorrow morning at Brandon's house, and then we're all going to see Randy, Mary Jo, Kata, and to meet...Troy! That will be fun--wish you could come too, Katie! Sunday will be busy with church, youth group, and h2o, but Monday we need to crank out some serious school since we don't have to go to school. I have LOTS to do. But that's for then, and tonight since Dad just got home, we are going to watch Benny and Joon, since Abby hasn't seen it yet. It's Friiiii-day!
Until the next time, dear reader!
I also looked through some hair magazines and online for pictures for a new hair cut. My hair is way too long, and I'd love to do something different. But having curly hair just makes it so difficult to do anything really different besides longer or shorter. Alas...
Today I cleaned the house and found myself having time to do the things I haven't had time to do for a while like really scrub the kitchen sink, wash my comforter, take down more of the "winter" decorations that really looked too much like Christmas. I left up the white lights for a little while more because it makes everything more cozy, but got rid of most of the red/green stuff. I finished that around 12:30pm, ate some soup, and a lady came to pick up her bracelet that she had ordered in December. I had made one with a clasp and one with elastic in case she couldn't manage the clasp--it's hard to do one-handed. She liked them both, but did have trouble with the clasp, so picked the elastic one. When she asked how much she owed me and I said $7, she said, "Oh! Only $7? Then I'll take them both!" So I made $14 more today! What a nice surprise!
I went for a walk right after she left, and right after I got back, I went to pick up Hannah to come home for the weekend. It was a smooth trip over and back, and it's great to have her home. We chatted with Abby for a little before she had to go to "work" babysitting. It IS work, by the way, but we always say she's going to work. She said Nathan likes it when she speaks with her Gru/Katie inspired Russian accent!
I made smoked sausage and tilapia, au gratin potatoes (from a box, I must confess!), peas, applesauce, banana cc muffins. I almost burned the muffins because right about when I should have been watching them closely, Hannah was reading us Katie's blog post, and I got so interested in that, I almost forgot them. They were nicely browned just like Katie likes them! But the rest of us ate them just the same.
We cleaned up the kitchen, and Hannah's laundry is almost done, and we're sitting here on our laptops while poor Dad went to get gas in the van. Gas prices are supposed to go up, so right now $3.03 is a bargain (?). Eek.
It looks like we'll be babysitting for h2o on Sunday night while Abby is at IMPACT--Lindsay called today to ask, since a friend from the community is coming for the first time, and she really wanted to be there to sit with them, etc. Hopefully, Andrew and Kara can handle it if we give them a heads-up. They've done a great job so far, and I don't really think they need us much. So, we can see the kiddos of Kent again--it's been a long time!
It was kind of weird to go to Kent to pick up Hannah and not as least see Katie. We were talking as we were drying the dishes about all the "states of normal" we have in our family. When everyone's home, that seems really normal. But then we got adjusted to a new normal when Katie went to college, so now with four of us home, it also seems normal. But then, when both H and K are away, it seems normal with three of us. I guess it's good that we can adjust to whatever circumstance we are in. My favorite normal though is always when all five of us are home! :) What can I say? I love my family!! Each and every one!
I have immensely enjoyed Katie's blog posts. But I have lots of questions to ask her too--hopefully we can video skype sometime so we can ask all of our questions. Like, do people really all wear black/dark colors? What is her house like? Which shoes does she wear the most? Has she had time to check out the campus Bible study group? What did she wear when she dressed so cute today? We want pictures too! But I know she will get to that when she can--and I'm just so happy that she's feeling better and can enjoy the theater (play or movie? Abby and I thought play, Hannah, movie--and then she found a trailer for the movie, so we guess she's right.) and the other exciting traveling she'll be doing Saturday. We love you, Kaite!
Tomorrow is Working on the Budget Day! Yay! I really like re-doing it to make sure we're adjusting for changes in our income. Since we have new insurance, etc. we have to see how things change and then make it all work out. It gives me such peace of mind when I pay bills to know that everything is accounted for, we're saving what we can, we've anticipated what "other than monthly" bills we have coming in, and we're ready for them! True Financial Peace. Thanks, Dave Ramsey. I needed it to be laid out for me just like that.
Abby is going to the leadership meeting tomorrow morning at Brandon's house, and then we're all going to see Randy, Mary Jo, Kata, and to meet...Troy! That will be fun--wish you could come too, Katie! Sunday will be busy with church, youth group, and h2o, but Monday we need to crank out some serious school since we don't have to go to school. I have LOTS to do. But that's for then, and tonight since Dad just got home, we are going to watch Benny and Joon, since Abby hasn't seen it yet. It's Friiiii-day!
Until the next time, dear reader!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A "Normal" Day in Ohio
OK, so today felt like a normal day to me too. (From Katie's blog of her "normal" Thursday.) What made it normal was that it felt like other people were determining what I did when. The past few days have been so relaxed that I have been able to do pretty much whatever I wanted to do which is very un-normal. But first, I will go back to last night-ish.
One unusual event was that Greta came walking out of the school room alone when Abby and I were both out in the kitchen/living room. She doesn't usually venture back there unless someone else is back there, you know. So I went back, and there on the floor was a chewed up wrapper from a miniature candy bar that had been on the floor from Abby's purse. To Greta's credit, there were a couple of others still left on the floor that she didn't eat! It didn't seem to bother her at all, but really, she's never eaten candy like that before. And she knew she was a bad dog for doing it because she looked very guilty and slunk around when I scolded her. Needless to say, she did NOT get a pup-eroni for a treat later.
Angie called last night and asked if we could watch Zakk, Derek, and Emily this morning, so that leads to this morning. Hailey had to go to physical therapy since she is wearing her helmet now.
We did, and they were all very good. Emily is getting so big! Zakk is a little boy, and Derek is talking so cutely!
Then Mike came over to pick out some jewelry for Lisa since some of the stuff she had bought from me had broken at the hands of children....I told Abby that I love men shoppers. They just pick out what they want and plunk down the money and are happy campers! So that was encouraging to make $60 today just from being home!
Then we ate lunch--leftover RedHot chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes from last night--and then I went for a walk. Cold and refreshing. There's just something about being out in the fresh air that is so refreshing to me. Then I tried to help Abby with Physics and realized that I know nothing about what she is doing, and therefore that is why Jeff is helping her right now as I type. Thank goodness for a husband who is a genius!! :) Her just knew how many meters are in a mile before looking it up. "It's so easy!" Glad he thinks it is!
Then I started to have a quiet time and Mom called which was good because I haven't talked to her for a while. She said she was cold. It was hard to be sympathetic here in cold Ohio. But I do understand that when it should be warmer, and it isn't, it seems colder. They seem to be doing well. They liked our thank you note with the picture of the dock. She said it looks just like looking out their window there in Florida.
Then Hannah had called while I was talking to Mom, so I called her back, and that was good too, since I haven't talked to her much this week. She's coming home this weekend! I wasn't sure if she would want to, or if she would rather stay there since she just got back to school. But she forgot a few things, and it's a long weekend with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We'll have to do a little back and forth on Sunday since she is doing music Sunday night too. But we have IMPACT, so that won't be a problem.
I read Katie's blog which is always very interesting and entertaining, and then we had some leftovers for dinner too. Dad had the chicken leftovers, and Abby and I had the chicken and rice soup I made on Tuesday night. For some reason, even though I knew I couldn't make chicken soup for Katie when she was sick, I still wanted to make it anyway. So I made that Tuesday, and we had the rest tonight. Abby had a lovely grilled cheese with the amazing multi-grain bread, American and pepper jack cheese, and I had a salad and toast with that amazing bread. Thanks, Katie, telling us how good that bread is for toast! I'm hooked!
Oh, and today I was doing the laundry, and I was putting in the whites load of Abby's, and there were Katie's jammies and sweatshirt. Awwww....Katie's last laundry. It made me miss her of course! But I had to laugh when I put that same load into the dryer. Apparently, Katie's jeans were in there too, and I had forgotten to check the pockets. So there were little pieces of tissue all over and a piece of gum stuck on her sweatshirt. But it came right off and the tissues all came off in the dryer, so no big deal. It just made me laugh! Love you, Katie!
Well, that about sums up life here right now. I'll fill you in on any other developments as they happen! :)
One unusual event was that Greta came walking out of the school room alone when Abby and I were both out in the kitchen/living room. She doesn't usually venture back there unless someone else is back there, you know. So I went back, and there on the floor was a chewed up wrapper from a miniature candy bar that had been on the floor from Abby's purse. To Greta's credit, there were a couple of others still left on the floor that she didn't eat! It didn't seem to bother her at all, but really, she's never eaten candy like that before. And she knew she was a bad dog for doing it because she looked very guilty and slunk around when I scolded her. Needless to say, she did NOT get a pup-eroni for a treat later.
Angie called last night and asked if we could watch Zakk, Derek, and Emily this morning, so that leads to this morning. Hailey had to go to physical therapy since she is wearing her helmet now.
We did, and they were all very good. Emily is getting so big! Zakk is a little boy, and Derek is talking so cutely!
Then Mike came over to pick out some jewelry for Lisa since some of the stuff she had bought from me had broken at the hands of children....I told Abby that I love men shoppers. They just pick out what they want and plunk down the money and are happy campers! So that was encouraging to make $60 today just from being home!
Then we ate lunch--leftover RedHot chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes from last night--and then I went for a walk. Cold and refreshing. There's just something about being out in the fresh air that is so refreshing to me. Then I tried to help Abby with Physics and realized that I know nothing about what she is doing, and therefore that is why Jeff is helping her right now as I type. Thank goodness for a husband who is a genius!! :) Her just knew how many meters are in a mile before looking it up. "It's so easy!" Glad he thinks it is!
Then I started to have a quiet time and Mom called which was good because I haven't talked to her for a while. She said she was cold. It was hard to be sympathetic here in cold Ohio. But I do understand that when it should be warmer, and it isn't, it seems colder. They seem to be doing well. They liked our thank you note with the picture of the dock. She said it looks just like looking out their window there in Florida.
Then Hannah had called while I was talking to Mom, so I called her back, and that was good too, since I haven't talked to her much this week. She's coming home this weekend! I wasn't sure if she would want to, or if she would rather stay there since she just got back to school. But she forgot a few things, and it's a long weekend with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We'll have to do a little back and forth on Sunday since she is doing music Sunday night too. But we have IMPACT, so that won't be a problem.
I read Katie's blog which is always very interesting and entertaining, and then we had some leftovers for dinner too. Dad had the chicken leftovers, and Abby and I had the chicken and rice soup I made on Tuesday night. For some reason, even though I knew I couldn't make chicken soup for Katie when she was sick, I still wanted to make it anyway. So I made that Tuesday, and we had the rest tonight. Abby had a lovely grilled cheese with the amazing multi-grain bread, American and pepper jack cheese, and I had a salad and toast with that amazing bread. Thanks, Katie, telling us how good that bread is for toast! I'm hooked!
Oh, and today I was doing the laundry, and I was putting in the whites load of Abby's, and there were Katie's jammies and sweatshirt. Awwww....Katie's last laundry. It made me miss her of course! But I had to laugh when I put that same load into the dryer. Apparently, Katie's jeans were in there too, and I had forgotten to check the pockets. So there were little pieces of tissue all over and a piece of gum stuck on her sweatshirt. But it came right off and the tissues all came off in the dryer, so no big deal. It just made me laugh! Love you, Katie!
Well, that about sums up life here right now. I'll fill you in on any other developments as they happen! :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Another snow day? WHAAAAAT?!
Wow, God must really be serious about me resting because we had another snow day today! It did snow quite a bit last night, but the roads weren't that bad today. But I guess I'm glad we have another day off. I did go to the grocery store this morning because we needed some things that were on sale today and not tomorrow. Lots of yogurt! :) The Giant Eagle parking lot was so empty--I've never seen it like that before.
It has been so nice and weird to have free time. Time to do what needs to be done, but not in a rush or with stress or a schedule. Life has not been like that for several months. Recovery mode! I read Good Housekeeping last night--Jeff came home from dropping off Abby at dance, so I just read and chatted with him off and on. I did manage to stay up until 10pm!
I worked on making some jewelry this afternoon for a lady who ordered a bracelet at the craft show in December. She's probably wondering if I forgot. So that was good to get done.
We're listening to the Dave Ramsey show too. Wow, I could get lazy if I keep this up.
It's way too cold and windy to go for a walk outside today. The sun is out right now, but it has been snowing and BLOWING all afternoon. Reminded me of The Long Winter when they had blizzards one after the other. Thankfully, it hasn't been that bad.
We'll get to see Randy, Mary Jo, and Kata and Troy this Saturday in Wooster. They are coming to town to talk about getting married there, but they aren't planning a date until spring 2012. It will be exciting to see them and meet Troy. That means we can't have the Karen girls over again. I feel bad about that, but obviously seeing the family takes priority. We'll have to keep trying I guess. They'll be saying, "I thought you forgot all about us!" again. Oh well, I am trying to just go with the flow of life right now and not stress about all that can't be done.
I was so excited to read that Katie is feeling better today!! I was hoping she could go to class and not feel behind. And, how exciting that her coat is "in style" there too!! That was a God thing for sure, because we certainly weren't looking for it. And, how nice that the weather is warmer than here! It sounds so fun to just walk around Tours in the hustle and bustle of sales, etc. I'd love to live in a place where I could walk out of my house and go shopping, eat, walk around and people watch. I mean, technically, I guess I do walk a lot, and if I were desperate, I could walk to Target and Panera, but somehow it's just not the same... :)
Now I get to figure out what to make for dinner. I did make a menu, but it was based on us going to BOW and then to GE and the library. Now I'm home and have more time, so I could probably do better than spaghetti. Whatever it is, it needs to be HOT!
Well, I guess that's all the boring details of life at our house today. Oh, one more thing. I was reading the Sunday paper last night, and I always look at the job classifieds. I was telling Jeff that I wasn't qualified for any of the jobs, but then I came across this listing for a mentor for an Upward Bound summer program for kids who are first generation college bound. It was full time from May 31-July 24, and it involves going around with teens at Stark State for this program, taking them on field trips, helping with homework. Sounds like exactly what I've been doing for YEARS!! But, I don't really want to work full time this summer when I have all of my girls home. I want to be around too! But, it was reassuring to know there could be something I could do!! I'm still praying about something to do to earn money this summer, but I want it to be the right thing, not just anything!
OK, I think that pretty much takes care of today...more later, dear reader!
It has been so nice and weird to have free time. Time to do what needs to be done, but not in a rush or with stress or a schedule. Life has not been like that for several months. Recovery mode! I read Good Housekeeping last night--Jeff came home from dropping off Abby at dance, so I just read and chatted with him off and on. I did manage to stay up until 10pm!
I worked on making some jewelry this afternoon for a lady who ordered a bracelet at the craft show in December. She's probably wondering if I forgot. So that was good to get done.
We're listening to the Dave Ramsey show too. Wow, I could get lazy if I keep this up.
It's way too cold and windy to go for a walk outside today. The sun is out right now, but it has been snowing and BLOWING all afternoon. Reminded me of The Long Winter when they had blizzards one after the other. Thankfully, it hasn't been that bad.
We'll get to see Randy, Mary Jo, and Kata and Troy this Saturday in Wooster. They are coming to town to talk about getting married there, but they aren't planning a date until spring 2012. It will be exciting to see them and meet Troy. That means we can't have the Karen girls over again. I feel bad about that, but obviously seeing the family takes priority. We'll have to keep trying I guess. They'll be saying, "I thought you forgot all about us!" again. Oh well, I am trying to just go with the flow of life right now and not stress about all that can't be done.
I was so excited to read that Katie is feeling better today!! I was hoping she could go to class and not feel behind. And, how exciting that her coat is "in style" there too!! That was a God thing for sure, because we certainly weren't looking for it. And, how nice that the weather is warmer than here! It sounds so fun to just walk around Tours in the hustle and bustle of sales, etc. I'd love to live in a place where I could walk out of my house and go shopping, eat, walk around and people watch. I mean, technically, I guess I do walk a lot, and if I were desperate, I could walk to Target and Panera, but somehow it's just not the same... :)
Now I get to figure out what to make for dinner. I did make a menu, but it was based on us going to BOW and then to GE and the library. Now I'm home and have more time, so I could probably do better than spaghetti. Whatever it is, it needs to be HOT!
Well, I guess that's all the boring details of life at our house today. Oh, one more thing. I was reading the Sunday paper last night, and I always look at the job classifieds. I was telling Jeff that I wasn't qualified for any of the jobs, but then I came across this listing for a mentor for an Upward Bound summer program for kids who are first generation college bound. It was full time from May 31-July 24, and it involves going around with teens at Stark State for this program, taking them on field trips, helping with homework. Sounds like exactly what I've been doing for YEARS!! But, I don't really want to work full time this summer when I have all of my girls home. I want to be around too! But, it was reassuring to know there could be something I could do!! I'm still praying about something to do to earn money this summer, but I want it to be the right thing, not just anything!
OK, I think that pretty much takes care of today...more later, dear reader!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Another snowy day
I had more time today than expected because of the snow again. It started out as a nice winter day, and I went for a walk after lunch. Around 1pm it started to snow which was expected, but by 2pm it was snowing HARD. Thankfully, Jeff called and said he didn't think I should go to UV--we had talked about it before, and he knew I didn't want to get stuck up there (or anywhere else for that matter) in the snow. It was a pretty snow when we were inside and didn't have to leave.
This morning I worked on my science lesson for tomorrow. Last night I actually got to read a book (Dave Ramsey's More Than Enough), and I headed to bed at 9pm again. Slept from around 9:30pm until 7:30am, and tonight at 7:20, I'm still feeling tired. Abby and I shoveled after dinner, so Dad could get into the driveway--there were a few inches of snow by 6pm.
I think I'm in "recovery" mode. I have gone past my usual limits for the past couple of months, and God has given me grace to do it, but now I must rest and recover. I'm thankful for having a schedule that allows it to a degree. And sometimes He sends snow to help my schedule clear out a little more.
Plus, since we were home, we got to Skype/chat with Katie and Hannah too. For a while all five of us were on together. Abby said, "I love when our family is all together!" Which made me laugh because H. is in Kent, KT in France, Jeff at work, and Abby and I are here at home. Not exactly all on the same piece of carpet, but still all in the same conversation, so I guess it works. I will take it whenever I can get it.
And of course, we were so sad to hear that Katie was sick today. Poor dear...it's hard enough to be sick when you're at home, but so far away and in a new place.... I am thankful for Isabelle. She has been kind and attentive and helpful and caring to Katie, and that makes me feel so much better. I know someone is looking out for her and making sure she has everything she needs. She sounds like a wonderful mother, and I'm looking forward to the time when Katie can feel like her normal self and fully enjoy their family life. They haven't gotten to see the "real Katie" either because of jet-lag, tiredness, illness, etc. Plus, the language being more of a challenge too. But I'm praying that next week will be better. It sounds like the professors are very concerned too. I don't know about others' experiences, but so far Katie has received much kindness from French people, and I am grateful! No rudeness or superiority that I've heard about! (Maybe she just hasn't met them yet.)
I was telling Jeff at dinner that it's weird to find out that Katie was sick after it was mostly over. The six hour time difference means when I wake up, half of her day is over. That's why I am learning to just pray for her and trust her to get the help she needs, and trust others to be there to give it to her. And I'm thankful to know about it today at least and not weeks after the fact because I had to wait for a letter to arrive! Technology ain't all bad.
So, Jeff just left to take Abby to dance since it wasn't canceled, and I have some time to do whatever I want. Blogging was first on the list, and then, I'm not sure. It's so rare to have free time, that I don't know what to do....but don't worry, I'll think of something! I'm guessing that an early bedtime is in my future again tonight.
I guess that's all for now, dear reader.
This morning I worked on my science lesson for tomorrow. Last night I actually got to read a book (Dave Ramsey's More Than Enough), and I headed to bed at 9pm again. Slept from around 9:30pm until 7:30am, and tonight at 7:20, I'm still feeling tired. Abby and I shoveled after dinner, so Dad could get into the driveway--there were a few inches of snow by 6pm.
I think I'm in "recovery" mode. I have gone past my usual limits for the past couple of months, and God has given me grace to do it, but now I must rest and recover. I'm thankful for having a schedule that allows it to a degree. And sometimes He sends snow to help my schedule clear out a little more.
Plus, since we were home, we got to Skype/chat with Katie and Hannah too. For a while all five of us were on together. Abby said, "I love when our family is all together!" Which made me laugh because H. is in Kent, KT in France, Jeff at work, and Abby and I are here at home. Not exactly all on the same piece of carpet, but still all in the same conversation, so I guess it works. I will take it whenever I can get it.
And of course, we were so sad to hear that Katie was sick today. Poor dear...it's hard enough to be sick when you're at home, but so far away and in a new place.... I am thankful for Isabelle. She has been kind and attentive and helpful and caring to Katie, and that makes me feel so much better. I know someone is looking out for her and making sure she has everything she needs. She sounds like a wonderful mother, and I'm looking forward to the time when Katie can feel like her normal self and fully enjoy their family life. They haven't gotten to see the "real Katie" either because of jet-lag, tiredness, illness, etc. Plus, the language being more of a challenge too. But I'm praying that next week will be better. It sounds like the professors are very concerned too. I don't know about others' experiences, but so far Katie has received much kindness from French people, and I am grateful! No rudeness or superiority that I've heard about! (Maybe she just hasn't met them yet.)
I was telling Jeff at dinner that it's weird to find out that Katie was sick after it was mostly over. The six hour time difference means when I wake up, half of her day is over. That's why I am learning to just pray for her and trust her to get the help she needs, and trust others to be there to give it to her. And I'm thankful to know about it today at least and not weeks after the fact because I had to wait for a letter to arrive! Technology ain't all bad.
So, Jeff just left to take Abby to dance since it wasn't canceled, and I have some time to do whatever I want. Blogging was first on the list, and then, I'm not sure. It's so rare to have free time, that I don't know what to do....but don't worry, I'll think of something! I'm guessing that an early bedtime is in my future again tonight.
I guess that's all for now, dear reader.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Blogging again for my world traveler!
So, now that I have a daughter too far away to talk to on the phone, I am blogging again. Katie is in France, and we are so excited for her to have this opportunity to go. After some nervous hours, her plane got re-routed so that she could get to Paris to meet the group, and so far all is well. I am immensely proud of her for taking off all alone and dealing with the change of flight, and for jumping into a new adventure this semester. Who knew Katie would be so adventurous? :) Go, Katie!
After we got back from taking Katie to the airport, we ate lunch, and Hannah and I went to Target to get what she needed for school. I felt bad that we hadn't had much time to talk, so after we shopped, we got some Starbucks with my Christmas gift card and chatted about the new semester ahead for her. She has good goals and has learned good lessons in the fall. I know she'll do great!
Saturday night I went to bed at 9pm and was ready to go to sleep at 9:45pm. I kept waking up all night and looking at the clock to see if Katie was "there" yet. Finally, at 3:45am our time I realized she should be and Jeff woke up then too and checked and her plane had landed! Then, by the time we woke up for church at 7am, she had posted a message on fb, so we knew she was there and had gotten her luggage, etc. Yay!!
We went to church, and I was in the nursery with Rosie, so that was nice to get to chat with her. Home for lunch, and Hannah packed up, and we took her back to Kent around 4pm. Back home by 5:30pm (The Honda turned to 100,000 miles on the way home, and Abby was driving as she had hoped!) and Abby went to youth group at the 620. Jeff and I ate dinner and talked with no TV, laptops, Droid, phones, etc. How lovely! Good to debrief and talk through the week, semester, year ahead.
I wasn't really looking forward to going back to school today, but I oddly enjoyed it and was happy to be there. I think the end of break is always hard, but I'm thankful that I have a good place to go and work and good people to be there with. We had homemade pizza too which made lunch extra good! April loves to feed us all!
We stopped for milk on the way home. Abby drove and went in and got the milk, so I just sat in the car which was also lovely!
She went to babysit, and I debated with myself about going for a walk, but I remembered that even on those really cold days that Katie and I walked, I was always glad I went. And so, I went and I am really glad that I did!
Finished my quiet time and now need to go and make something quick for dinner. It's 5:30pm, and everyone should be home any minute, so it'll probably be Tuna Alfredo--aren't you glad you're in France, Katie, eating delicious food? I hope you're learning how to cook all those wonderful things too, so you can teach me when you get home.
Well, like keeps changing, but by God's grace, it's all been good, and for that I am truly thankful!
After we got back from taking Katie to the airport, we ate lunch, and Hannah and I went to Target to get what she needed for school. I felt bad that we hadn't had much time to talk, so after we shopped, we got some Starbucks with my Christmas gift card and chatted about the new semester ahead for her. She has good goals and has learned good lessons in the fall. I know she'll do great!
Saturday night I went to bed at 9pm and was ready to go to sleep at 9:45pm. I kept waking up all night and looking at the clock to see if Katie was "there" yet. Finally, at 3:45am our time I realized she should be and Jeff woke up then too and checked and her plane had landed! Then, by the time we woke up for church at 7am, she had posted a message on fb, so we knew she was there and had gotten her luggage, etc. Yay!!
We went to church, and I was in the nursery with Rosie, so that was nice to get to chat with her. Home for lunch, and Hannah packed up, and we took her back to Kent around 4pm. Back home by 5:30pm (The Honda turned to 100,000 miles on the way home, and Abby was driving as she had hoped!) and Abby went to youth group at the 620. Jeff and I ate dinner and talked with no TV, laptops, Droid, phones, etc. How lovely! Good to debrief and talk through the week, semester, year ahead.
I wasn't really looking forward to going back to school today, but I oddly enjoyed it and was happy to be there. I think the end of break is always hard, but I'm thankful that I have a good place to go and work and good people to be there with. We had homemade pizza too which made lunch extra good! April loves to feed us all!
We stopped for milk on the way home. Abby drove and went in and got the milk, so I just sat in the car which was also lovely!
She went to babysit, and I debated with myself about going for a walk, but I remembered that even on those really cold days that Katie and I walked, I was always glad I went. And so, I went and I am really glad that I did!
Finished my quiet time and now need to go and make something quick for dinner. It's 5:30pm, and everyone should be home any minute, so it'll probably be Tuna Alfredo--aren't you glad you're in France, Katie, eating delicious food? I hope you're learning how to cook all those wonderful things too, so you can teach me when you get home.
Well, like keeps changing, but by God's grace, it's all been good, and for that I am truly thankful!
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