The Hershey Candy Cane Kisses that I bought for the family had to be hidden. I had good intentions of sharing them with everyone. After tasting one (I LOVE PEPPERMINT) I decided that I would spare them any exposure to these candies. I would suffer the pain of hoarding them and keeping them all to myself.
It sounds selfish, I know. It's Christmas. I should be sharing at this time of year! What's wrong with me?
So, I went out and purchased a second bag. I had every intention of sharing that with RT and the kids.
Yea, that one made it out of the bag and.....straight to a hiding spot.
I'm not sure how long I can keep this secret. If RT reads my blog, then he knows that there are two bags of Hershey Candy Kisses somewhere in the house.
Or, are there?
:)
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The End of the World
If you read the Bible, you know that no one (no human) knows the exact day that the world will end. In Matthew 24 v. 36 it says:
"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."
According to the Mayan calendar the world is going to end on December 21, 2012. The calendar began in 3114 BC and spanned about 5,000 years.
That's a lot of calendar making. They didn't have pen and paper or computers. Can you imagine being assigned to make the calendar for the next 5,000 years, without using a computer? I'm surprised they didn't stop after 100 years. Did they really need calendars dating 5,000 years from now?
I'm a little disappointed.
I thought the end of the world would be played up a little more. Why finish your shopping when the world's going to end before Christmas? Oh, yeah. I don't think the retailers want you to stop buying things. World ending or not, they want to make money.
Even if you don't believe the world is going to end, it does make a good excuse to use for things that you don't want to do.
"I'm sorry. I can't make your party because the world is going to end."
"I can't do laundry. It's the end of the world." (who cares if you're wearing dirty clothes?)
And, my favorite,
"I'm not cleaning the house. It's the end of the world!"
Let those dirty clothes pile up. Let the house gather dust and dirt.
Of course if my kids find out about these excuses they would start using them, too.
"I didn't do my homework because the world is going to end."
"I didn't study for the test/exam because the world is ending."
That takes all of the fun out of end of the world. I know how to ruin it, don't I?
I'm going to do some laundry and clean the house.
"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."
According to the Mayan calendar the world is going to end on December 21, 2012. The calendar began in 3114 BC and spanned about 5,000 years.
That's a lot of calendar making. They didn't have pen and paper or computers. Can you imagine being assigned to make the calendar for the next 5,000 years, without using a computer? I'm surprised they didn't stop after 100 years. Did they really need calendars dating 5,000 years from now?
I'm a little disappointed.
I thought the end of the world would be played up a little more. Why finish your shopping when the world's going to end before Christmas? Oh, yeah. I don't think the retailers want you to stop buying things. World ending or not, they want to make money.
Even if you don't believe the world is going to end, it does make a good excuse to use for things that you don't want to do.
"I'm sorry. I can't make your party because the world is going to end."
"I can't do laundry. It's the end of the world." (who cares if you're wearing dirty clothes?)
And, my favorite,
"I'm not cleaning the house. It's the end of the world!"
Let those dirty clothes pile up. Let the house gather dust and dirt.
Of course if my kids find out about these excuses they would start using them, too.
"I didn't do my homework because the world is going to end."
"I didn't study for the test/exam because the world is ending."
That takes all of the fun out of end of the world. I know how to ruin it, don't I?
I'm going to do some laundry and clean the house.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The school is under lockdown, but send your kid anyway
The elementary school in our area is under a lockdown. The police are investigating suspicious activity in the area. Put your kids on the bus anyway. The bus will be taken to the Junior High then transported back to school when all is safe. Walkers stay home.
Um. Yeah. That makes me feel REAL comfortable sending my child to school.
That's the phone call I received this morning. Scary, huh?
The next phone call was a Code Red. A community alert call that there was an incident in the area at 5:45am, a break in, the homeowner confronted the person and the person is now on the loose in our area.
RT gave Alex a ride to school. I know, we live a block and a half away. I didn't want to take any chances. Of course he forgot his lunch and has a basketball game today and his school is under a soft lockdown (no one entering or leaving the school). Hopefully this will end pleasantly and I can get him his lunch.
There are helicopters combing the area. Quite a few police cars driving around. All are doing their job and trying to keep us safe.
I texted Nick to see if he made it to school safely. He gets on the bus at 6:35am. That would have given the person plenty of time to get to that stop. I didn't get a quick enough response (like, one second) so I ended up calling the school and having them check to make sure he was in class. (he is in class) I can't help it. I'm a little overprotective. It's the mom in me.
Meanwhile, Bella is singing and playing with her Legos, the dogs, who have no clue, are (play) fighting, and I'm writing about it and hoping this ends soon (and pleasantly).
UPDATE:
Lockdown has been lifted and kids are back in school. Alex has his lunch. Helicopter is still flying around the area. Have not heard an update, am hoping all is ok and safe.
Um. Yeah. That makes me feel REAL comfortable sending my child to school.
That's the phone call I received this morning. Scary, huh?
The next phone call was a Code Red. A community alert call that there was an incident in the area at 5:45am, a break in, the homeowner confronted the person and the person is now on the loose in our area.
RT gave Alex a ride to school. I know, we live a block and a half away. I didn't want to take any chances. Of course he forgot his lunch and has a basketball game today and his school is under a soft lockdown (no one entering or leaving the school). Hopefully this will end pleasantly and I can get him his lunch.
There are helicopters combing the area. Quite a few police cars driving around. All are doing their job and trying to keep us safe.
I texted Nick to see if he made it to school safely. He gets on the bus at 6:35am. That would have given the person plenty of time to get to that stop. I didn't get a quick enough response (like, one second) so I ended up calling the school and having them check to make sure he was in class. (he is in class) I can't help it. I'm a little overprotective. It's the mom in me.
Meanwhile, Bella is singing and playing with her Legos, the dogs, who have no clue, are (play) fighting, and I'm writing about it and hoping this ends soon (and pleasantly).
UPDATE:
Lockdown has been lifted and kids are back in school. Alex has his lunch. Helicopter is still flying around the area. Have not heard an update, am hoping all is ok and safe.
Monday, December 10, 2012
I have the flu, do you want to hang out?
I get a call from another mom. Her daughter has been fighting a cold/flu for the last couple of days. Apparently she was in school today (the mom thought she was fine). Turns out the mom picked her up from school early. I find out from Bella that the girl was in the nurses office (along with another girl) because she was sick. All this sick and going home happened today.
So, back to this call. The mom called me and asked if Bella wanted to come over and play.
First of all, it was nice of her to ask. (let's just get the pleasantries out of the way) The girl is a couple years older than Bella. They hang out once in awhile. I guess my problem is that it would have been nicer if her daughter wasn't sick. She told me that she brought her home from school, but, everything is ok. Bella said she doesn't want to get sick. I really can't blame her. I don't want to get sick either.
What happened to stay home and get better?
Why do people feel the need to share their cold, along with all of their sick germs, with others?
So, back to this call. The mom called me and asked if Bella wanted to come over and play.
First of all, it was nice of her to ask. (let's just get the pleasantries out of the way) The girl is a couple years older than Bella. They hang out once in awhile. I guess my problem is that it would have been nicer if her daughter wasn't sick. She told me that she brought her home from school, but, everything is ok. Bella said she doesn't want to get sick. I really can't blame her. I don't want to get sick either.
What happened to stay home and get better?
Why do people feel the need to share their cold, along with all of their sick germs, with others?
Stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. Or Christmas Conspiracy.
"What do you want for Christmas?"
"Nothing"
Can you believe that was the reply at our house? Well, by two of my children. One of them is still young and still wants things for Christmas. But, my two boys are happy to get nothing. Nick has a couple (real) small items. Alex keeps saying he wants nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Our church does this Advent Conspiracy every year. We spend too much on presents and forget the true meaning of Christmas. Our church says to spend less and if you have money left over to donate it to those in need. Every year they pick an organization to donate to as a church. (you don't have to donate to that particular organization, you can choose your own) One year we donated money to build wells in Africa so the people in those towns could have fresh water. Another year it was to Habitat for Humanity to build houses (in the US) for people.
It really brings back the true meaning of Christmas. Giving something to someone who is really happy to receive the gift. And, it's something that the person needs.
You are giving a person or family fresh water or a house to live in, not a ugly Christmas sweater or another tie or hanky. (do people still use hankies?)
I blame retailers.
Retailers want you to buy, buy, buy so they can make a profit. This idea that on Christmas you have to spend, spend, spend just to have a great holiday is ridiculous! Some people go into debt buying gifts because they have to have the latest gadget. They need the latest electronics, the new toys, cars, clothes and jewelry. (then they have too much stuff, which leads to excess and storage lockers)
I'm happy to say that won't be our family.
You can count us out (again) this year. We celebrate Christmas and exchange gifts (within reason). We don't go overboard in spending. Everyone is happy.
We, as a family, have chosen the organization Feed My Starving Children to help out this year.
"Nothing"
Can you believe that was the reply at our house? Well, by two of my children. One of them is still young and still wants things for Christmas. But, my two boys are happy to get nothing. Nick has a couple (real) small items. Alex keeps saying he wants nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Our church does this Advent Conspiracy every year. We spend too much on presents and forget the true meaning of Christmas. Our church says to spend less and if you have money left over to donate it to those in need. Every year they pick an organization to donate to as a church. (you don't have to donate to that particular organization, you can choose your own) One year we donated money to build wells in Africa so the people in those towns could have fresh water. Another year it was to Habitat for Humanity to build houses (in the US) for people.
It really brings back the true meaning of Christmas. Giving something to someone who is really happy to receive the gift. And, it's something that the person needs.
You are giving a person or family fresh water or a house to live in, not a ugly Christmas sweater or another tie or hanky. (do people still use hankies?)
I blame retailers.
Retailers want you to buy, buy, buy so they can make a profit. This idea that on Christmas you have to spend, spend, spend just to have a great holiday is ridiculous! Some people go into debt buying gifts because they have to have the latest gadget. They need the latest electronics, the new toys, cars, clothes and jewelry. (then they have too much stuff, which leads to excess and storage lockers)
I'm happy to say that won't be our family.
You can count us out (again) this year. We celebrate Christmas and exchange gifts (within reason). We don't go overboard in spending. Everyone is happy.
We, as a family, have chosen the organization Feed My Starving Children to help out this year.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Daisy Count It Up Leaf
Today the girls earned their Daisy Count It Up Leaf. This is a leaf that goes on the front of the Daisy uniform and teaches the girls about money, sales goals, what to do with their profit and how to sell the cookies.
We simplified this for our troop and did this in one (one hour) troop meeting.
We talked about our sales goal for this year. We really didn't have a sales goal last year. We didn't think that kindergarten Daisy's would sell that many cookies (we sold over 450 boxes!). I think it's the cuteness that sells them. :) This year we set a sales goal for 500 boxes. Thats a lot of cookies, but, we do have one more girl than last year. If we don't reach that amount, it's ok. We don't have anything pressing that we need the money to help offset (like a camping trip, etc) I made a chart so they can watch it fill up as we get the cookie order forms in. Each girl will get to color in the amount of cookies that they sold.
We talked about what we would like to do with the money that we earn. The girls came up with some great ideas. A play, the zoo, donating money to help others, buying toys for kids who don't have toys, donating to Ronald McDonald house (housing for families that have a child in the hospital), roller skating, visiting and making cards for the seniors at the assisted living center and a picnic. It's great to see that they want to help others with the money that they make from cookie sales!
The girls learned the cost of a box of cookies and did a little sheet adding up the cost if the customer purchases 2 boxes (up to 5 boxes). Great way for them to practice their math skills.
We used play money (one dollar, five dollar and ten dollar bills only to make it easier) and practiced selling cookies to one another. A girl would ask another girl if she would like to buy a box of cookies. She would add in what her troop plans on doing with the money that they earn from the cookie sale. It was cute. I think they liked playing both the buyer and the seller!
I had a coloring sheet for them, a picture of a cookie I found on Little Brownie Baker.
We simplified this for our troop and did this in one (one hour) troop meeting.
We talked about our sales goal for this year. We really didn't have a sales goal last year. We didn't think that kindergarten Daisy's would sell that many cookies (we sold over 450 boxes!). I think it's the cuteness that sells them. :) This year we set a sales goal for 500 boxes. Thats a lot of cookies, but, we do have one more girl than last year. If we don't reach that amount, it's ok. We don't have anything pressing that we need the money to help offset (like a camping trip, etc) I made a chart so they can watch it fill up as we get the cookie order forms in. Each girl will get to color in the amount of cookies that they sold.
We talked about what we would like to do with the money that we earn. The girls came up with some great ideas. A play, the zoo, donating money to help others, buying toys for kids who don't have toys, donating to Ronald McDonald house (housing for families that have a child in the hospital), roller skating, visiting and making cards for the seniors at the assisted living center and a picnic. It's great to see that they want to help others with the money that they make from cookie sales!
The girls learned the cost of a box of cookies and did a little sheet adding up the cost if the customer purchases 2 boxes (up to 5 boxes). Great way for them to practice their math skills.
We used play money (one dollar, five dollar and ten dollar bills only to make it easier) and practiced selling cookies to one another. A girl would ask another girl if she would like to buy a box of cookies. She would add in what her troop plans on doing with the money that they earn from the cookie sale. It was cute. I think they liked playing both the buyer and the seller!
I had a coloring sheet for them, a picture of a cookie I found on Little Brownie Baker.
My achin' back
Reminds me of another great Three Stooges line from "Uncivil Warriors"
Pardon me, how long have you had a weak back?
Oh, about a week back.
So, there I am at 7am this morning on the side yard (that's what we call the fenced in side of the house. Yes, the back is fenced in too, but separately. Does that make sense?) Anyway, I had this hair brained idea to clean up after the dogs. It was about 30 degrees outside and I'm wearing a t-shirt and pants. I bend and then I feel a snap across the middle of my back. I don't move at all because I don't want to make it worse.
So, I pulled my back cleaning up dog poop. How funny is that? How do you say that with a straight face?
As I am hunched over I try to figure out how I will get inside. You see, if I stay there I will freeze to death. Ok there might be a little exaggeration in that last sentence. But remember the t-shirt, it's 30 degrees and I can't move.
I start to think if anyone would come and help me? Nick left for school already and Alex and RT are still sleeping. The dogs would be no help. Knowing RT he wouldn't come looking for me. He would just wonder aloud what happened to me. Asking the kids every once in awhile if they have seen me. People would ask him about me and he would reply, "You know, I went to bed one night, woke up the next morning and she was gone! Didn't even take her coat or purse!" Then I can see him walking outside in the spring and seeing me there. "I was wondering what happened to you!?
I decided to straighten up and walk slowly inside. Slowly because I have to walk down a flight of stairs, then decided to go up two more flights to the family room. We have a lot of stairs in our house.
I plopped on the couch and hoped for the best. The best, meaning RT would wake up and walk Bella down to the bus stop.
I was able to make it down to the floor and stretch a little. And, successfully made it back to a standing position.
I thought about what triggered it. My back as an aversion to dog poop? My back is out to get me? How about lugging the (artificial) tree boxes and 4 boxes of Christmas decorations down from the attic? Moving 3 plants upstairs? Or moving the space heater, that was making a home in the living room for the last month, back up to the attic?
I'm decided to give myself the rest of the day off. With pay.
Pardon me, how long have you had a weak back?
Oh, about a week back.
So, there I am at 7am this morning on the side yard (that's what we call the fenced in side of the house. Yes, the back is fenced in too, but separately. Does that make sense?) Anyway, I had this hair brained idea to clean up after the dogs. It was about 30 degrees outside and I'm wearing a t-shirt and pants. I bend and then I feel a snap across the middle of my back. I don't move at all because I don't want to make it worse.
So, I pulled my back cleaning up dog poop. How funny is that? How do you say that with a straight face?
As I am hunched over I try to figure out how I will get inside. You see, if I stay there I will freeze to death. Ok there might be a little exaggeration in that last sentence. But remember the t-shirt, it's 30 degrees and I can't move.
I start to think if anyone would come and help me? Nick left for school already and Alex and RT are still sleeping. The dogs would be no help. Knowing RT he wouldn't come looking for me. He would just wonder aloud what happened to me. Asking the kids every once in awhile if they have seen me. People would ask him about me and he would reply, "You know, I went to bed one night, woke up the next morning and she was gone! Didn't even take her coat or purse!" Then I can see him walking outside in the spring and seeing me there. "I was wondering what happened to you!?
I decided to straighten up and walk slowly inside. Slowly because I have to walk down a flight of stairs, then decided to go up two more flights to the family room. We have a lot of stairs in our house.
I plopped on the couch and hoped for the best. The best, meaning RT would wake up and walk Bella down to the bus stop.
I was able to make it down to the floor and stretch a little. And, successfully made it back to a standing position.
I thought about what triggered it. My back as an aversion to dog poop? My back is out to get me? How about lugging the (artificial) tree boxes and 4 boxes of Christmas decorations down from the attic? Moving 3 plants upstairs? Or moving the space heater, that was making a home in the living room for the last month, back up to the attic?
I'm decided to give myself the rest of the day off. With pay.
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