Thursday, January 31, 2013
Global Warming?
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I was enjoying the global warming that we were experiencing here in Chicago. One day it was 61F this week (Tuesday, to be exact). Then we moved to some really nice pouring rain (Wednesday). Then, after the flooding we got some snow (that, again, was on Wednesday). Finally! Snow! It's a balmy 16F outside today. This was the weather the last three days. I hope we get some more snow.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Thank you in the mail
Awhile back I wrote about writing Thank You notes here and here.
I still think it's an important thing to do. Everyone likes to be thanked. Writing the note means so much more to a person than an email or text message.
Today I went to get my mail (well, it's at the curb, I didn't have to go far). I love getting mail. Unfortunately the majority of my mail consists of bills or applications for credit cards. I mean, how many credit cards do I need? And why is your card better than the one I already have in my wallet?
What I look for (and I think most people do this) when getting the mail is for personal letters. Letters addressed (by hand). I then know that a real person sent me something, not a direct mail service. Today's mail had one of those personal letters. I was quite excited!
To my surprise, I received a Thank you card in the mail. Like I said, I love getting mail! This card was hand made and handwritten. Thanking me for a gift that I sent (remember the necklace and soap I sent off to Patti?).
So, to all of those out there who think that handwriting a note to someone is old school, I say, ask the recipient of the card how they felt when they received it.
I think they will thank you for your thank you.
I still think it's an important thing to do. Everyone likes to be thanked. Writing the note means so much more to a person than an email or text message.
Today I went to get my mail (well, it's at the curb, I didn't have to go far). I love getting mail. Unfortunately the majority of my mail consists of bills or applications for credit cards. I mean, how many credit cards do I need? And why is your card better than the one I already have in my wallet?
What I look for (and I think most people do this) when getting the mail is for personal letters. Letters addressed (by hand). I then know that a real person sent me something, not a direct mail service. Today's mail had one of those personal letters. I was quite excited!
To my surprise, I received a Thank you card in the mail. Like I said, I love getting mail! This card was hand made and handwritten. Thanking me for a gift that I sent (remember the necklace and soap I sent off to Patti?).
I was touched and it brought a smile to my face.
So, to all of those out there who think that handwriting a note to someone is old school, I say, ask the recipient of the card how they felt when they received it.
I think they will thank you for your thank you.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Happy Birthday, Mom!
We celebrated my mom's birthday yesterday. My brothers and I planned it so that we could stop by her house and surprise* her with muffins and cupcakes. The muffins idea came from my oldest brother who said he doesn't do sugar. And, yes, they had some sugar in them. They were pretty good.
*surprise. If you remember from last year's birthday, my mom doesn't like surprises. If we were younger, we might have been in some sort of trouble (and my oldest brother would somehow get our of it) I think she liked this birthday surprise.
But, hey, it's a birthday! Everyone wants cake (or cupcakes) on their birthday! So, I, the favorite child, made Red Velvet Cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting. Yum!
My mom is wearing one of the necklaces that I made. It's a mosaic. Took me a little longer than the others and was definitely a fun one to make.
We had a great time visiting and telling stories. Of course, my oldest brother had to tell an off color story at the end. Somehow, he gets away with it. Maybe its because he is the oldest.
I think my mom enjoyed spending her day with her kids and (some) of her grandkids.
*surprise. If you remember from last year's birthday, my mom doesn't like surprises. If we were younger, we might have been in some sort of trouble (and my oldest brother would somehow get our of it) I think she liked this birthday surprise.
But, hey, it's a birthday! Everyone wants cake (or cupcakes) on their birthday! So, I, the favorite child, made Red Velvet Cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting. Yum!
yea, I did a photo bomb
actually, my nephew was taking the picture with my camera and I asked him to take it of my mom
oh, well, you get to see us and all of the cupcakes, except for the one my nephew took (and took a bite out of) before we sang Happy Birthday. Yea, I gave him a hard time about it.
I put this one on a suede necklace
a little classier
Hey, it's for my mom!
We had a great time visiting and telling stories. Of course, my oldest brother had to tell an off color story at the end. Somehow, he gets away with it. Maybe its because he is the oldest.
I think my mom enjoyed spending her day with her kids and (some) of her grandkids.
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Girl Scout Cookie Sales and Sales Goals
We just finished up selling our Girl Scout cookies. We didn't have a goal last year and we sold 454 boxes. Not bad for our first year of Daisy's.
This year our cookie sales goal is 500 boxes. I created a little chart so the girls could fill in the quantity of boxes that they sold. Using a marker I divided my thermometer into 5 parts. Each part was equal to 100 boxes. I then divided each one hundred into four more sections (25 boxes each). When the girl turned in her order form, I marked off the line where she was to color in. I had each girl use a different color marker so they could see how they are all working together to reach their goal.
Luckily, we reached our goal and then some.
We sold over 600 boxes! (684 to be exact) The girls are quite excited and are looking forward to adding more things to do with the money they have earned.
This year our cookie sales goal is 500 boxes. I created a little chart so the girls could fill in the quantity of boxes that they sold. Using a marker I divided my thermometer into 5 parts. Each part was equal to 100 boxes. I then divided each one hundred into four more sections (25 boxes each). When the girl turned in her order form, I marked off the line where she was to color in. I had each girl use a different color marker so they could see how they are all working together to reach their goal.
Luckily, we reached our goal and then some.
We sold over 600 boxes! (684 to be exact) The girls are quite excited and are looking forward to adding more things to do with the money they have earned.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Companies that use Voice Mail
I'm not a patient person.
There. I said it.
I don't think anyone likes to wait. I try my best and am pleasant. I wait my turn. I do not get angry with anyone if I have to wait. I have realized that waiting is a part of life.
I placed a call to our cable provider. I'll leave out the reason because that could be another blog post. I placed the call and was greeted by voice mail. This is pretty common for most large corporations. I can understand that the majority of the questions that come in can be answered by a machine. I have used that feature on occasion when I need a quick, easy answer. I think it's a great option to have where the company is not tying up their customer service people.
Unfortunately, my call required a customer service rep. Trying to get to that rep is a different story. The voice mail tries to get you to use the pre-recorded answers. They do not give the option to talk to a rep. They make you suffer through their lengthy number choices and you end up choosing every option possible. If you remain on the phone long enough, they willfeel sorry for you redirect you to a customer service person.
Of course you will have to "please be patient and your call will be redirected."
Then comes the absolutely worst thing they can say.
"Your call is important to us, please wait on the line and our next Customer Service rep will be with you in a moment."
It's nice to say, but, when it's repeated over and over and over again you realize that your call is not important to them. If it was, then why aren't they answering your call?
Oh, yea, they throw in, "Our customer service reps are busy helping other customers, your patience is appreciated."
So, my call is important, but, someone else who called a few minutes before me, and was granted access to the customer service rep, is more important than me.
I don't have a solution to this problem, except, stop telling me that me and my call are important to you. Just pick up the phone!
There. I said it.
I don't think anyone likes to wait. I try my best and am pleasant. I wait my turn. I do not get angry with anyone if I have to wait. I have realized that waiting is a part of life.
I placed a call to our cable provider. I'll leave out the reason because that could be another blog post. I placed the call and was greeted by voice mail. This is pretty common for most large corporations. I can understand that the majority of the questions that come in can be answered by a machine. I have used that feature on occasion when I need a quick, easy answer. I think it's a great option to have where the company is not tying up their customer service people.
Unfortunately, my call required a customer service rep. Trying to get to that rep is a different story. The voice mail tries to get you to use the pre-recorded answers. They do not give the option to talk to a rep. They make you suffer through their lengthy number choices and you end up choosing every option possible. If you remain on the phone long enough, they will
Of course you will have to "please be patient and your call will be redirected."
Then comes the absolutely worst thing they can say.
"Your call is important to us, please wait on the line and our next Customer Service rep will be with you in a moment."
It's nice to say, but, when it's repeated over and over and over again you realize that your call is not important to them. If it was, then why aren't they answering your call?
Oh, yea, they throw in, "Our customer service reps are busy helping other customers, your patience is appreciated."
So, my call is important, but, someone else who called a few minutes before me, and was granted access to the customer service rep, is more important than me.
I don't have a solution to this problem, except, stop telling me that me and my call are important to you. Just pick up the phone!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Daisy Talk it Up Leaf
For our meeting we had the girls look through magazines and pick out advertisements. We explained what an advertisement is (trying to sell you something). Each girl took a turn showing the ad she found and told what the ad was trying to sell (we had to help a little with this one).
We talked about advertisements for selling our cookies. What would we want our ad to look like? The girls came up with: colorful, pictures (of cookies), price, delivery date.
We gave the girls a quick little survey. Our survey had them choose four things they want to do with the money that they collect from cookie sales. These were the ideas they came up with at our Count it Up leaf meeting.
We then let the girls loose with white paper, markers and GLITTER (I love glitter). We told them to create an advertisement to help them sell their cookies. They can use the points that we talked about (price, colorful, pictures of cookies, delivery date) and add their own personal style. They also might want to include what they are going to do with the money they make from cookie sales. This is something that they can bring with them when they sell their cookies.
Our meeting was one hour long (no snack) and we were still able to do our pledge, promise and a sharing circle time.
We talked about advertisements for selling our cookies. What would we want our ad to look like? The girls came up with: colorful, pictures (of cookies), price, delivery date.
We gave the girls a quick little survey. Our survey had them choose four things they want to do with the money that they collect from cookie sales. These were the ideas they came up with at our Count it Up leaf meeting.
We then let the girls loose with white paper, markers and GLITTER (I love glitter). We told them to create an advertisement to help them sell their cookies. They can use the points that we talked about (price, colorful, pictures of cookies, delivery date) and add their own personal style. They also might want to include what they are going to do with the money they make from cookie sales. This is something that they can bring with them when they sell their cookies.
Our meeting was one hour long (no snack) and we were still able to do our pledge, promise and a sharing circle time.
We're gonna hit the mattresses
That's what I plan to do (literally) on Saturday when we get our mattress back.
We bought our mattress last summer and we are allowed a one time adjustment for free. Sounds great and all but they neglect to mention that we will be without a mattress for 3 nights.
It doesn't sound too painful. Three nights should go by fast, right? We do have several couches to choose from. We could share a bed with one of the kids (well, only two of them would be willing) or kick them out of their bed (and room) and make them sleep somewhere else. I suggested to Alex that he share with Nick. He told me Nick would have to leave all weapons at the door. (such a loving relationship they have)
RT and I decided to camp out in the family room. For a person who has a hard time sleeping, RT had NO PROBLEM sleeping on the floor last night. He put a blanket and sleeping bag down, had a sleeping bag on top and settled in nice and cozy. I'm a side sleeper and the hard floor was not very giving. I opted for the couch (the one that I slept on during two of my pregnancies).
So, there we are, laying there. Within seconds RT has fallen asleep and is snoring. How does he do it? I was wide awake for what seemed like hours until Ifinally fell asleep. Waking up several times. Dreaming that Nick came in and I was about to say, "We're in here." But, RT grumbled something and I jumped up, wide awake (and no Nick in the room).
Nick did finally come in and stare at us around 6am. I said that we're sleeping in here. He said, why? I said, we don't have a mattress. (the kid is probably confused since he wasn't around when we discussed this happening and hopefully won't be scarred for life seeing his parents camped out on the family room floor) I forget to mention that RT slept during this discussion.
I woke up in good spirits. I slept okay, not great. I'm trying to see this as an adventure.
RT wakes up and says he feels like he went 15 rounds with George Foreman. Yea, the guy who quickly fell asleep and was snoring for quite awhile.
I can't wait until Saturday.
We bought our mattress last summer and we are allowed a one time adjustment for free. Sounds great and all but they neglect to mention that we will be without a mattress for 3 nights.
It doesn't sound too painful. Three nights should go by fast, right? We do have several couches to choose from. We could share a bed with one of the kids (well, only two of them would be willing) or kick them out of their bed (and room) and make them sleep somewhere else. I suggested to Alex that he share with Nick. He told me Nick would have to leave all weapons at the door. (such a loving relationship they have)
RT and I decided to camp out in the family room. For a person who has a hard time sleeping, RT had NO PROBLEM sleeping on the floor last night. He put a blanket and sleeping bag down, had a sleeping bag on top and settled in nice and cozy. I'm a side sleeper and the hard floor was not very giving. I opted for the couch (the one that I slept on during two of my pregnancies).
So, there we are, laying there. Within seconds RT has fallen asleep and is snoring. How does he do it? I was wide awake for what seemed like hours until I
Nick did finally come in and stare at us around 6am. I said that we're sleeping in here. He said, why? I said, we don't have a mattress. (the kid is probably confused since he wasn't around when we discussed this happening and hopefully won't be scarred for life seeing his parents camped out on the family room floor) I forget to mention that RT slept during this discussion.
I woke up in good spirits. I slept okay, not great. I'm trying to see this as an adventure.
RT wakes up and says he feels like he went 15 rounds with George Foreman. Yea, the guy who quickly fell asleep and was snoring for quite awhile.
I can't wait until Saturday.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Turn down the radio
That's the very first thing you should do when starting your car after letting your teenager drive it.
Lesson learned (today, in fact) when I started my car and U2 was blaring through the speakers. At least it was a CD and not a (loud, obnoxious) commercial on the radio.
Now to file that information in my head for the next time I get into my car after it has been previously driven by someone else.
Lesson learned (today, in fact) when I started my car and U2 was blaring through the speakers. At least it was a CD and not a (loud, obnoxious) commercial on the radio.
Now to file that information in my head for the next time I get into my car after it has been previously driven by someone else.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Room Temperature
I thought I would practice my little Susie Homemaker skills and whip up a batch of cookies this afternoon. Before I started cleaning (my most favorite thing ever to do) I took out some butter and put it on the counter. I wanted it to soften up a bit before I started making cookies.
Unfortunately, with a temperature of -1F (outside, of course, it's warmer inside) and sitting on a cold kitchen counter for a few hours, it really didn't soften that much.
Hoping to greet the kids when they get home with cookies and hot chocolate.
Also hoping to win the best mom ever award. Wish me luck!
Unfortunately, with a temperature of -1F (outside, of course, it's warmer inside) and sitting on a cold kitchen counter for a few hours, it really didn't soften that much.
Hoping to greet the kids when they get home with cookies and hot chocolate.
Also hoping to win the best mom ever award. Wish me luck!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Sew, this is how you do it
I took a sewing class this morning. I was the youngest one in a class of four. Felt a little strange being the youngin' of the group. I did get lots of help and pointers from my classmates. They told me I would be hooked on sewing after this class.
My other classmates have used sewing machines before and this class was to help them figure out how to use their new machine.
This was my first sewing class. I was pretty nervous and really excited. I have always wanted to learn how to sew on a machine.
Let's just say that anything that could go wrong....did. It was frustrating. I had a hard time threading the needle. I had to take the needle out and thread it. After the 10th time threading it by hand, the instructor said that maybe the needle was oiled by the manufacturer and that's why I was having problems. While I was still threading my needle everyone else had finished doing a straight stitch and they were starting to work on the zig-zag stitch.
Once my needle was threaded (and stayed threaded) I attempted the straight stitch. Of course, I couldn't get my machine to do a straight stitch using the thread. The machine would sew all the way across and when I pulled out the material, there was nothing there. My thread somehow got wound with the thread underneath creating a huge knot (and mess). When that was all cleared up (I fixed it) I FINALLY sewed my first straight stitch! So exciting! The instructor said that I should staple it to the back of my book so I can make notes so I know how to do it next time. I said, "I'm going to frame it so everyone can see it!" I was pretty proud of myself. :)
I moved onto the zig-zag stitch and broke the needle. The instructor kept telling me that it's great I did that (broke the needle, can't thread the needle, tangled the thread, etc.). I didn't think it was great when it happened. I did realize that by having these problems with the instructor right there and the fact that I had to fix the problem myself that I learned a lot more than most beginners on their first day sewing.
The new needle and I get along great. We zig-zagged and stitched for a little while. Of course, once I did a couple zig-zags, class was over.
I do have to go back and learn a few more things, like button holes. A lot of these things the other three ladies learned while I was working away rebuilding my sewing machine.
I will practice my new skill and will (hopefully) have something to share that I have sewn by myself. I wouldn't hold my breath or anything. This might take awhile.
My other classmates have used sewing machines before and this class was to help them figure out how to use their new machine.
This was my first sewing class. I was pretty nervous and really excited. I have always wanted to learn how to sew on a machine.
Let's just say that anything that could go wrong....did. It was frustrating. I had a hard time threading the needle. I had to take the needle out and thread it. After the 10th time threading it by hand, the instructor said that maybe the needle was oiled by the manufacturer and that's why I was having problems. While I was still threading my needle everyone else had finished doing a straight stitch and they were starting to work on the zig-zag stitch.
Once my needle was threaded (and stayed threaded) I attempted the straight stitch. Of course, I couldn't get my machine to do a straight stitch using the thread. The machine would sew all the way across and when I pulled out the material, there was nothing there. My thread somehow got wound with the thread underneath creating a huge knot (and mess). When that was all cleared up (I fixed it) I FINALLY sewed my first straight stitch! So exciting! The instructor said that I should staple it to the back of my book so I can make notes so I know how to do it next time. I said, "I'm going to frame it so everyone can see it!" I was pretty proud of myself. :)
I moved onto the zig-zag stitch and broke the needle. The instructor kept telling me that it's great I did that (broke the needle, can't thread the needle, tangled the thread, etc.). I didn't think it was great when it happened. I did realize that by having these problems with the instructor right there and the fact that I had to fix the problem myself that I learned a lot more than most beginners on their first day sewing.
The new needle and I get along great. We zig-zagged and stitched for a little while. Of course, once I did a couple zig-zags, class was over.
I do have to go back and learn a few more things, like button holes. A lot of these things the other three ladies learned while I was working away rebuilding my sewing machine.
I will practice my new skill and will (hopefully) have something to share that I have sewn by myself. I wouldn't hold my breath or anything. This might take awhile.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Dressing up to clean
I was cleaning the house the other day. Surprise, surprise. I say that because I feel that's about all I do in my life.
Anyway, enough about me, lets get back to my story. I was dressed in some old clothes (men's t-shirt and a pair of old workout shorts).
I know what you're thinking.
Sexy.
RT came in and commented on my attire by saying, "I see you're all dressed up and ready to go out to lunch." He was kidding, of course.
That comment got me thinking. No, not thinking of getting rid of him (RT), but of cleaning and the clothes that you wear while cleaning.
What do you wear to clean your house? Or I should ask, do you clean your house? If you need a house to clean ours is available anytime. I wouldn't mind giving up my cleaning duties.
Where is this leading to, you ask?
I have a friend who told me (this was years ago when she had her first child and was staying home with him) that she would wear her jewelry when she cleaned. She purchased some beautiful costume jewelry before she got married. She figured, why not wear it? Sometimes when you stay at home, you don't feel the need to get dressed up. Let's face it, with an infant, putting on earrings and a necklace aren't exactly the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning after a night of very little sleep.
What I do remember her saying to me is that "everyone should feel beautiful even when they are cleaning the toilet."
And, why shouldn't you feel beautiful when you are cleaning? It's not fun work and it can be disgusting at times.
It's time for a change. It's time to make cleaning the house a fun, beautiful job. When you walk by that mirror you see your beautiful reflection shining back at you.
So, next time you have to clean the house, throw on some nice jewelry, maybe a tiara (you are cleaning the throne, right? :) and start scrubbing away knowing that you look beautiful.
Even when you are cleaning the toilet.
Anyway, enough about me, lets get back to my story. I was dressed in some old clothes (men's t-shirt and a pair of old workout shorts).
I know what you're thinking.
Sexy.
RT came in and commented on my attire by saying, "I see you're all dressed up and ready to go out to lunch." He was kidding, of course.
That comment got me thinking. No, not thinking of getting rid of him (RT), but of cleaning and the clothes that you wear while cleaning.
What do you wear to clean your house? Or I should ask, do you clean your house? If you need a house to clean ours is available anytime. I wouldn't mind giving up my cleaning duties.
Where is this leading to, you ask?
I have a friend who told me (this was years ago when she had her first child and was staying home with him) that she would wear her jewelry when she cleaned. She purchased some beautiful costume jewelry before she got married. She figured, why not wear it? Sometimes when you stay at home, you don't feel the need to get dressed up. Let's face it, with an infant, putting on earrings and a necklace aren't exactly the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning after a night of very little sleep.
What I do remember her saying to me is that "everyone should feel beautiful even when they are cleaning the toilet."
And, why shouldn't you feel beautiful when you are cleaning? It's not fun work and it can be disgusting at times.
It's time for a change. It's time to make cleaning the house a fun, beautiful job. When you walk by that mirror you see your beautiful reflection shining back at you.
So, next time you have to clean the house, throw on some nice jewelry, maybe a tiara (you are cleaning the throne, right? :) and start scrubbing away knowing that you look beautiful.
Even when you are cleaning the toilet.
Tough Questions for Parents
I answer all questions that are posed to me by my children and I've had some doozies. Is that even a word? I don't usually use it, it just came out while I was typing.
Anyway, I don't get all flustered. I give honest answers. I don't run away or make up an answer. If I don't know the answer then I tell them (that I don't know) and we find the answer out together.
I have been asked about the human body (various parts and their names), reproduction (yea, good ole sex questions), breastfeeding, and child birth. < that was my oldest and he was 3. (Yea, I know. This parenting thing can be scary)
Last night, Bella just asked me about God. She wanted to know what God is made of and who made God? Also, who are God's parents? and, what is God? <not sure if that is supposed to mean what is he made of or what nationality is God?
You're probably awaiting my response. Sorry to say that I'm not going to share it. I'm going to turn this all around on to you.
What would your answer have been to your child?
Anyway, I don't get all flustered. I give honest answers. I don't run away or make up an answer. If I don't know the answer then I tell them (that I don't know) and we find the answer out together.
I have been asked about the human body (various parts and their names), reproduction (yea, good ole sex questions), breastfeeding, and child birth. < that was my oldest and he was 3. (Yea, I know. This parenting thing can be scary)
Last night, Bella just asked me about God. She wanted to know what God is made of and who made God? Also, who are God's parents? and, what is God? <not sure if that is supposed to mean what is he made of or what nationality is God?
You're probably awaiting my response. Sorry to say that I'm not going to share it. I'm going to turn this all around on to you.
What would your answer have been to your child?
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Interview Questions
Before Bella went to sleep she felt the need to interview me. I felt like I was being attacked by a reporter with all of the questions that were flying at me. It was cute, but, I'm glad the paparazzi have no interest in me and my (scary) life.
Here is a sampling of questions that I found amusing.
B: Who would you marry?
Me: Dad
B: No. Who would you marry and it can't be Dad. You know, someone fun. Someone to go to eat ice cream with and have fun with.
Hmmm. So, RT isn't fun and isn't one to take to eat ice cream. OK. I see where she's coming from. He doesn't take me out for ice cream (only Bella). And he isn't fun. I'll make a note of that for future reference.
Me: Someone who has a sense of humor, is smart, likes to go out and do things (like going out to eat ice cream) and someone who is fun to be around (and have fun with).
Apparently that passed as a good enough answer.
B: What flower would he give you?
Me: A daisy
B: What's your favorite color?
Me: Red
B: Would you want a red daisy?
Me: No. A regular daisy (white petals and yellow center) will be just fine.
B: That's interesting.
Yea, she got some answers from me. I also see that she is already working on her Barbara Walters responses. Being the reporter that she supposedly has become, I'm not sure how she is going to use this against me. I do know that if she starts sneaking up and snapping pictures of me I'm in big trouble.
Here is a sampling of questions that I found amusing.
B: Who would you marry?
Me: Dad
B: No. Who would you marry and it can't be Dad. You know, someone fun. Someone to go to eat ice cream with and have fun with.
Hmmm. So, RT isn't fun and isn't one to take to eat ice cream. OK. I see where she's coming from. He doesn't take me out for ice cream (only Bella). And he isn't fun. I'll make a note of that for future reference.
Me: Someone who has a sense of humor, is smart, likes to go out and do things (like going out to eat ice cream) and someone who is fun to be around (and have fun with).
Apparently that passed as a good enough answer.
B: What flower would he give you?
Me: A daisy
B: What's your favorite color?
Me: Red
B: Would you want a red daisy?
Me: No. A regular daisy (white petals and yellow center) will be just fine.
B: That's interesting.
Yea, she got some answers from me. I also see that she is already working on her Barbara Walters responses. Being the reporter that she supposedly has become, I'm not sure how she is going to use this against me. I do know that if she starts sneaking up and snapping pictures of me I'm in big trouble.
Rummikub
Every once in awhile we have family game night. I say once in awhile because it might be more than one time in a week.
Lately our favorite game has been Rummikub. I have written about Rummikub before in this post here.
Rummikub is a game that RT and I would always want to play and the boys would get all goofy on us towards the end of the game. It would make playing the game a little painful.
Bella has started to get the hang of Rummikub and wants to play it all the time. (the goofiness happens with her sometimes, too) She's a pretty good player. In fact, over Christmas break we played Rummikub during every meal. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. The game remained out on the dining room table. Bella was always the first one at the table and would just start setting it up and picking her tiles. Of course, she is pretty selective when picking her tiles. Keeping the ones she can use and discarding the ones that she can't use. (before we get to the table) Practically going out on her first turn.
It was strange when the kids went back to school after break. Eating lunch was not the same without a quick game of Rummikub.
Lately our favorite game has been Rummikub. I have written about Rummikub before in this post here.
Rummikub is a game that RT and I would always want to play and the boys would get all goofy on us towards the end of the game. It would make playing the game a little painful.
Bella has started to get the hang of Rummikub and wants to play it all the time. (the goofiness happens with her sometimes, too) She's a pretty good player. In fact, over Christmas break we played Rummikub during every meal. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. The game remained out on the dining room table. Bella was always the first one at the table and would just start setting it up and picking her tiles. Of course, she is pretty selective when picking her tiles. Keeping the ones she can use and discarding the ones that she can't use. (before we get to the table) Practically going out on her first turn.
It was strange when the kids went back to school after break. Eating lunch was not the same without a quick game of Rummikub.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Things you never thought you would say..
Until you became a parent.
Remember those carefree days before parenthood? Where you had lots and lots of time to do things? You had plenty of time to sleep. You even had time to think. That thinking part came in handy when you wanted to say something to another person. You could mull it over in your mind making sure it sounds just right before you put the word(s) out there for all to hear.
When you become a parent, some words just flow out of your mouth. The words move so quickly that you do not have time to think about them or how they will sound once out in the open air.
People without children have time to think, "How will these words sound once they are out there in the open?" As a parent, there is no thinking allowed. You don't have time to think! Especially during some interesting "parenting moments." You parents know what I'm talking about. Those moments in time that you never thought would happen to you. Here you are in this situation and you have to react by saying something. You don't have time to think it through so you just say it. Sometimes these words become habits and you begin to say them all the time.
I thought I would share a few of my favorites. I have quite a few and am sure that this will be a post that you might see more than once.
Shall we begin?
Do you have to go potty?
*this is so common that you begin to say this to other adults
Pee pee or poo poo?
*pretty self explanatory
Wash your hands.......with soap!
*yes, sometimes you have to make sure you spell everything out
Don't lick that
*and yes, he did lick it (the mirror in a department store)
Don't forget to wipe.
*hey, sometimes you get in there and with all of the excitement, you forget!
Did you wipe?
*see the comment above for "Don't forget to wipe"
And, my kids favorite line that I use. This is said when they are fighting with each other. Wrestling is involved. One of them will yell, "He's killing me! He's killing me!" My (sympathetic, loving, motherly) reply?
"If you're going to kill him, can you do it a little quieter?"
Do you have any favorite words (sayings) you like to use?
Remember those carefree days before parenthood? Where you had lots and lots of time to do things? You had plenty of time to sleep. You even had time to think. That thinking part came in handy when you wanted to say something to another person. You could mull it over in your mind making sure it sounds just right before you put the word(s) out there for all to hear.
When you become a parent, some words just flow out of your mouth. The words move so quickly that you do not have time to think about them or how they will sound once out in the open air.
People without children have time to think, "How will these words sound once they are out there in the open?" As a parent, there is no thinking allowed. You don't have time to think! Especially during some interesting "parenting moments." You parents know what I'm talking about. Those moments in time that you never thought would happen to you. Here you are in this situation and you have to react by saying something. You don't have time to think it through so you just say it. Sometimes these words become habits and you begin to say them all the time.
I thought I would share a few of my favorites. I have quite a few and am sure that this will be a post that you might see more than once.
Shall we begin?
Do you have to go potty?
*this is so common that you begin to say this to other adults
Pee pee or poo poo?
*pretty self explanatory
Wash your hands.......with soap!
*yes, sometimes you have to make sure you spell everything out
Don't lick that
*and yes, he did lick it (the mirror in a department store)
Don't forget to wipe.
*hey, sometimes you get in there and with all of the excitement, you forget!
Did you wipe?
*see the comment above for "Don't forget to wipe"
And, my kids favorite line that I use. This is said when they are fighting with each other. Wrestling is involved. One of them will yell, "He's killing me! He's killing me!" My (sympathetic, loving, motherly) reply?
"If you're going to kill him, can you do it a little quieter?"
Do you have any favorite words (sayings) you like to use?
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Vegetarian Diaries - Collard Greens
I know what you're thinking. Collard Greens? Is she crazy? And, the answer is, yes. You should know that by now.
I wanted to try collard greens, but, the majority of the recipes out there have them cooked with ham. I'm a vegetarian. So, trying to make collard greens with the addition of meat happens to be a problem for me.
I searched and found a vegan recipe for Collard Greens and White Beans. (another one of my Dr. Seuss rhymes) I found this recipe on allrecipes.com Here is the link with the recipe here.
I found this recipe real easy to make and it was delicious! I added a little more garlic (I love garlic) and I definitely had more than 7 ounces of collard greens. If you read through some of the reviews, some complained that it was real soupy. I did not have that problem because I had more greens than was needed in the recipe. Making this into a Collard green and bean soup wouldn't be that bad. Adjust your recipe so there's enough water to make it into soup.
Here's the recipe (taken from www.allrecipes.com ). Give it a try.
"Try them, try them and you may! Try them and you may, I say!" (Dr. Seuss)
What are you waiting for?
2 tablespoons water, or more as needed
1 (14.5 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 1/4 cups water
I wanted to try collard greens, but, the majority of the recipes out there have them cooked with ham. I'm a vegetarian. So, trying to make collard greens with the addition of meat happens to be a problem for me.
I searched and found a vegan recipe for Collard Greens and White Beans. (another one of my Dr. Seuss rhymes) I found this recipe on allrecipes.com Here is the link with the recipe here.
I found this recipe real easy to make and it was delicious! I added a little more garlic (I love garlic) and I definitely had more than 7 ounces of collard greens. If you read through some of the reviews, some complained that it was real soupy. I did not have that problem because I had more greens than was needed in the recipe. Making this into a Collard green and bean soup wouldn't be that bad. Adjust your recipe so there's enough water to make it into soup.
I
Delicious!
Here's the recipe (taken from www.allrecipes.com ). Give it a try.
"Try them, try them and you may! Try them and you may, I say!" (Dr. Seuss)
What are you waiting for?
2 tablespoons water, or more as needed
1 (14.5 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 1/4 cups water
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Saying Goodbye
Saying goodbye is a hard thing to do.
Today we said Good Bye to my Uncle George. You might remember him from this post for my Uncle George and Aunt Tessie's 60th wedding anniversary last year. Looking back, that was such a wonderful party. Friends and family gathered together. Finally a happy occasion for our family.
We will miss seeing him at Easter. He was in charge of cooking the lamb every year (for as long as I can remember). He took great pride in it. He did a great job cooking and serving it to everyone. He was always there to greet you at Easter with a big smile and a plate of lamb. Easter will not be the same.
We will miss you, Uncle George!
Today we said Good Bye to my Uncle George. You might remember him from this post for my Uncle George and Aunt Tessie's 60th wedding anniversary last year. Looking back, that was such a wonderful party. Friends and family gathered together. Finally a happy occasion for our family.
We will miss seeing him at Easter. He was in charge of cooking the lamb every year (for as long as I can remember). He took great pride in it. He did a great job cooking and serving it to everyone. He was always there to greet you at Easter with a big smile and a plate of lamb. Easter will not be the same.
We will miss you, Uncle George!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
It's a surprise!
Well, now it isn't a surprise.
Patti, if you did not get a package today, don't read this post!
I was hoping to see my friend, Patti over the Christmas holiday, but, it did not work out. It's hard with all of the family plans. I know we were crazily trying to get things done around our house.
I did not want to take a chance and send this out before Christmas. I was a little worried it would get lost in the mail. I couldn't place it in our mailbox since it was hit with a baseball bat (something that teenagers around here like to do at night as they are driving by houses).
So, as a post Christmas (birthday?) gift I sent a little package to Patti. I included the necklace I made..notice how it looks like a sun?
Patti talks of doing sun salutations so I thought a necklace with a sun might be fun. (I did not plan that rhyme, maybe it's all of the Doctor Seuss books I have been reading lately?)
I also included some bars of soap.
Yea, get the hint, Patti?
just kidding. One of the bars is peppermint (tingly mint). Patti had mentioned that she liked this one. I tried to make it extra tingly. Patti, you will have to let me know how it came out.
Sorry I missed you when you were in town.
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!
Patti, if you did not get a package today, don't read this post!
I was hoping to see my friend, Patti over the Christmas holiday, but, it did not work out. It's hard with all of the family plans. I know we were crazily trying to get things done around our house.
I did not want to take a chance and send this out before Christmas. I was a little worried it would get lost in the mail. I couldn't place it in our mailbox since it was hit with a baseball bat (something that teenagers around here like to do at night as they are driving by houses).
So, as a post Christmas (birthday?) gift I sent a little package to Patti. I included the necklace I made..notice how it looks like a sun?
Patti talks of doing sun salutations so I thought a necklace with a sun might be fun. (I did not plan that rhyme, maybe it's all of the Doctor Seuss books I have been reading lately?)
I also included some bars of soap.
Yea, get the hint, Patti?
just kidding. One of the bars is peppermint (tingly mint). Patti had mentioned that she liked this one. I tried to make it extra tingly. Patti, you will have to let me know how it came out.
Sorry I missed you when you were in town.
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Can't upload pictures on Blogger
Thought I would vent my frustrations about Blogger and picture uploading.
I have been trying to upload a picture to my Milestones post for a couple of days now. Everytime I try to upload a picture I get the same text that appears where the browse files bar should appear:
What happened to the browse files bar? And why can't I upload a picture to my blog?
I have resized quite a few picutres so there should be no problem with storage space.
So, what's going on, Blogger?
Is anyone else having this problem?
By the way, I tried to upload a picture to this post and I am getting the same thing on this post as the last post:
Maybe Blogger will respond to this post? Or, maybe the problem will be fixed.
UPDATE:
Blogger is aware of this problem. You can use Mozilla Firefox as your browser and you can still upload pictures to your blog. I was able to upload a picture to my milestones post.
Thanks for your patience.
**If you are having problems, you might want to resize your pictures. I use FastStone Photo Resizer. It's a free downloadable program that helps you resize your photos so they do not take up as much storage space on your blog.
I have been trying to upload a picture to my Milestones post for a couple of days now. Everytime I try to upload a picture I get the same text that appears where the browse files bar should appear:
You can upload JPG, GIF, or PNG files.
What happened to the browse files bar? And why can't I upload a picture to my blog?
I have resized quite a few picutres so there should be no problem with storage space.
So, what's going on, Blogger?
Is anyone else having this problem?
By the way, I tried to upload a picture to this post and I am getting the same thing on this post as the last post:
You can upload JPG, GIF, or PNG files.
Maybe Blogger will respond to this post? Or, maybe the problem will be fixed.
UPDATE:
Blogger is aware of this problem. You can use Mozilla Firefox as your browser and you can still upload pictures to your blog. I was able to upload a picture to my milestones post.
Thanks for your patience.
**If you are having problems, you might want to resize your pictures. I use FastStone Photo Resizer. It's a free downloadable program that helps you resize your photos so they do not take up as much storage space on your blog.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Milestones
When you have a child, you make note of their (many) milestones in their life.
First smile.
First time rolling over.
First tooth.
First word.
First step.
There are so many when they are a baby. As they grow older, there are less but they still have meaning.
First haircut.
First day of school.
First bike ride (without training wheels)
First lost tooth.
I love to take it all in when each child reaches a milestone. Taking pictures in my mind (along with pictures from my camera). Making sure I remember the moment forever. Memories that will last forever in my mind.
About a year ago, I wrote about Nick getting his driver's permit . What an exciting time that was for him (and us). Getting all of the hours and experience needed seemed like a huge task. The hours didn't seem so bad when he decided to help drive his Grandfather back from Florida during Spring Break. Then there's the trip (and LONG wait) at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). And the hoping (and praying) that the Ghetto Van doesn't do anything crazy during the driving test. Oh, and that it passes inspection.
I am pleased to say that today Nick has hit yet another milestone.
Today he got his driver's license.
I didn't get much of a smile in this picture, but, I did get a smile when he told me that he passed. His exact words were, "Apparently, I passed the test."
I think he was pretty proud of himself.
And, so are we. :)
First smile.
First time rolling over.
First tooth.
First word.
First step.
There are so many when they are a baby. As they grow older, there are less but they still have meaning.
First haircut.
First day of school.
First bike ride (without training wheels)
First lost tooth.
I love to take it all in when each child reaches a milestone. Taking pictures in my mind (along with pictures from my camera). Making sure I remember the moment forever. Memories that will last forever in my mind.
About a year ago, I wrote about Nick getting his driver's permit . What an exciting time that was for him (and us). Getting all of the hours and experience needed seemed like a huge task. The hours didn't seem so bad when he decided to help drive his Grandfather back from Florida during Spring Break. Then there's the trip (and LONG wait) at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). And the hoping (and praying) that the Ghetto Van doesn't do anything crazy during the driving test. Oh, and that it passes inspection.
I am pleased to say that today Nick has hit yet another milestone.
Today he got his driver's license.
I didn't get much of a smile in this picture, but, I did get a smile when he told me that he passed. His exact words were, "Apparently, I passed the test."
I think he was pretty proud of himself.
And, so are we. :)
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