A Pair of Jeans

Still here...just on facebook

2010-04-19T15:56:00.000-04:00

Jean 1 and Jean 2 are still kicking...yes we are. We have simply found that most of our friends are also on facebook, so we migrated.
Recently, we have been asked if we are still running "A Pair of Jeans"...so we're asking you...stick with facebook or are you missing us too dearly? :)

Destin, Florida...2009

2009-07-21T13:04:00.015-04:00

PROM 2009

2009-05-03T00:39:00.006-04:00

Okay, so it has been WAY too long since I have posted. So much going on...all good things for the most part. My daughter J and her boyfriend were chosen as the Freshman couple to work the Junior/Senior prom at their HS. They did have to work, but they also were able to enjoy the benefits of prom. :)

HOMECOMING 2009

2009-02-07T16:35:00.013-05:00

My gals! I love them all!

2009-02-01T21:14:00.005-05:00

I have discovered FACEBOOK and I am loving it...I am in touch with some people from my past...bringing back a flood of memories! :) I have also figured out more about pics! So I am going to try to upload one to the blog.
Erica, do you know which one my baby girl is?? Guess! :)
They are all beautiful and talented girls I must say...everywhere we go I think we have the prettiest cheer squad! WE ROCK!

Things you need to know...or maybe not! :)

2009-01-25T20:24:00.003-05:00

Still in jammies. Loving it. Although, I am okay with the cold weather as long as I have my fire and books and an occasional snow day...even I am finding myself ready for flip flops and toe nail polish.
Update on my life: I now have a facebook. I like it. I do think I would like myspace better but my kiddo would prefer I don't have one although I check hers periodically. Trying to give her SOME space. :)
Daughter J was one of seven in entire HS to be on the superintendents honor roll! :) She rocks!
Still loving my blackberry. Learning new things about it.
Cheerleaders getting ready for homecoming. That is taking some time.
Hubby and I have had some tough times. Who doesn't? But, we have had a WAMMY to deal with this month. He loves me, that is for sure. God love him!
BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!
I am really into reading Jodi Picoult. I just finished "The Pact" and "The Perfect Match." She is a talented author.
Recently checked out: "Song of Redemption" by Lynn Austin
"Rain" by V.C. Andrews
"4th of July" by James Patterson
"My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult
" I Dare You" by Joyce Meyers.
"Dashing Through The Snow" by Mary Higgins Clark/Carol Higgins Clark
Come on...just ONE more snow day!

Smart phone for a SMART woman...

2009-01-04T22:34:00.002-05:00

That's right! I now have the BLACKBERRY CURVE! Woo-hoo! My contract was up and I took the bullet and have no regrets. I loved my razr. Always dependable and I was in fear of change. But once the change was made...only better things on the horizon for me!
If you know anything about the BLACKBERRY CURVE, feel free to enlighten me. Step daughter H also got one. We can help each other as we go...that is the deal. She sold her soul to me since I am the reason she basically has one! I will use the leverage wisely. First, by hopefully getting some respect. Anybody a step parent out there? God loves you!
:)
As mentioned in previous blog, I had a fabulous Christmas. My hubby was very thoughtful with his gifts as was my daughter. I feel like I did a great job of shopping for my loved ones as well. We are truly blessed in this house!

I go back to work tomorrow...all I have to say to that is....
WAAAAAAAA...WAAAAAAAAAAAA....snob...sniff....

2009! WOW!

2009-01-01T20:31:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I, for one, have had a fabulous two week break. I have caught up with some old friends...seen movies...and just relaxed. It has been blissful. The first uninterrupted break I have had in a long time. No games, conferences, deadlines, or practices.
Tomorrow is back to work for the teachers! The kids resume school on Monday.
I am not ready. :(

No New Year's Resolution to share...just hoping it is an even better year than 2008. :)

Merry Kiss-Moose...

2008-12-28T23:17:00.002-05:00

I waited to post our Christmas card because I wanted to make sure that it was a surprise to all the friends and family to who I was sending the card. For the rest of the blogosphere, I now take a moment to say Merry Christmas (three days late but felt in heart Christmas day).

Our family had a nice Christmas, it was quiet and peaceful. Each of the kids and my husband really enjoyed their gifts and I am thankful for the thoughts that went into mine ;) I do not need anything anyway, to my heart remains thankful even if the gifts fell a little short of "right". I do know that deep hearts and loving minds were involved in each item given. For me it is truly more enjoyable to give than to receive....and it was so much fun to watch my kids squeal with delight and joy.

I pray that your Christmas was joyful and full of the love that is central to the celebration of the day.

Sincerely, Jean 1

Sigh...

2008-11-30T22:58:00.004-05:00

Happy Sigh! Last year I blogged about "Operation Spending Money Mode" and how my hubby and I were going to try to stretch out the shopping experience the next year. Guess what? That year is here and guess what we did....GOT IT DONE! We once again did BLACK FRIDAY without getting up early, saw FOUR CHRISTMASES (hilarious) and the next day, summed it up! ;) I can't say I am sad about it...with time being a luxury this year.
I may or may not have mentioned that I am the HS cheer coach this year...if I haven't, it is simply due to lack of excitement. I love the cheerleaders and it has been a fabulous opportunity for me and proud to have done it. However, I will never do it again.
Update: They did place 4th out of 15 squads in their division at State this year! They performed a flawless routine. Very impressive.
Games start this week. That means for me....NO. LIFE.
That's right. Am I complaining? Maybe so. I know I would go to all of the games anyway as a cheer mom, but it OH.SO. DIFFERENT. as the coach!
Anyway...I calmly explained to my hubby how the schedule would be from here on out...so we put our shopping shoes on and in no hurry...with much love, time, and creativity...finished it!
Thanksgiving was enjoyable. Family at our house. Extremely nice. A grand time.
I am happy to say that we have the Christmas spirit and are ready to dive in to the dinners, family, friends, and have a grand time! I bought the new book by Rick Warren..."The Purpose of Christmas." I loved the "Purpose Driven Life."
How about you? How are your Christmases going?
Oh yeah-Twilight fans...I absolutely loved the movie! Ready for "New Moon."

Dear Mother Project

2008-11-21T21:07:00.003-05:00

I came across this blog tonight while researching gifts to make and share. I found this touching and wonderful so I decided to participate. The wonderful part is that if you participate in the project this husband will send you a copy of the book he is putting together for his wife from all the letters. Click the link on the words "this blog" and it will take you to the blog site to see more detail and if you participate, please send us your letter either via email (jeanbieb@gmail.com) or in the comments, and we'll share them.

Here is my letter...

Dear Mother,

Joy is felt so often in life, sometimes in the moments, sometimes in the memory. Joy, at the core is an emotion. It is something you experience, it is a feeling, it is radiant.
But joy can also be held. I cradled joy the first time I held my newborn daughter. I embraced joy when I welcomed my second daughter. I carassed joy when I was presented my son. I enveloped joy when I nursed my youngest daughter. Joy, being fleeting when just felt, is at its purest when it's without the constraints of expectation. The tangible joy, the joy that is not just felt by emotion but felt by one's heart, ones hand, ones lips...that is the joy of motherhood.

Looking for the joy in life is what gives direction to your heart, breathes life into your soul, centers your mind and calms your spirit. Sometimes you must look deeper than you want, often it will require looking beyond the negative to see the joy. The point is to keep looking. Do not be afraid of the search. Keep your heart open and your arms ready, joy will come to you. And you, Dear Mother, will hold joy again and breathe in its scent and relish its feel and find that your heart is overflowing.

Sincerely,
Donna B. (aka Jean 1)

AMERICA HAS SPOKEN! ELECTION 2008!

2008-11-05T21:44:00.004-05:00

I am a political junkie. Not always a knowledgeable political junkie-but I do enjoy the campaigns, watching the news and basically soaking up as much knowledge as I can about the candidates! I like watching the debates and learning. I like to discuss politics. Again, I am not always as knowledgeable as some people are but I like to hear their view points and learn from them as well. Respectfully.
BARACK OBAMA has won. Did I vote for him? No, I did not. Do I think this is the end of America as we know it? Honestly, I do not. I was actually undecided off and on throughout this campaign and when I went to the polls, I went with my gut instinct and voted for McCain. I watched the electoral votes roll in last night as the United States were covered in red and blue. I was hoping for a tighter race. McCain did deserve that much. However, America has spoken and now I hope we can unite and make a change.
I was impressed with McCain's concession speech. Incredibly honorable. I did cry. Not because Obama won but because I felt McCain's loss. I was equally impressed with Obama's acceptance speech. I think Obama is a decent man and I hope he can do all he has promised. If he does, I pray all will be well.
Now the real issue that is bothering me...I realize history was made last night. We do have an "African American" as a president. However, do we not also have a "Caucasian" as a president? Barack Obama is both.
I am not being racist. I simply don't understand why Barack Obama cannot be considered simply an AMERICAN! Race supposedly was not THE issue this campaign. So, why after Barack won did all of a sudden it become an issue?
I honestly hope we can get on with WHAT Barack Obama CAN do rather than WHAT he is...AMERICA HAS SPOKEN!

Vampires? Werewolves? Immortality? Fascinating!

2008-10-19T16:44:00.005-04:00

My favorite mythical creature has always been the vampire! Why? I do not know. I have been fascinated with them for as long as I can remember and have seen all the "Dracula" movies. I detest blood or the sight of blood. So-I don't see myself as a vampire in the past life (and no I do not believe in that) but then again, maybe that could explain my aversion to blood. Or even the word as I type it. EEWWW! However, I do like the cold and dark at times. I have been told I would be happy living in a cave...hence...BATS! ;) Not freezing air. The chill that makes you see your breath. The chill in the air when you NEED snuggly clothes, warm and fuzzy socks, and a good book with coffee. I have found my books of interests lately...THE TWILIGHT SERIES! What a truly blissful escape from reality! These books are beyond fascinating fiction. They were written for the audience of the teenage girl and are on a HS reading level! In fact, my daughter J started reading them last year. Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. She thought I would like them and I was like...um...vampires?? Fascinating but just how much do they talk about BLOOD? When I see a movie, I can look away, but if you are reader you know you are entranced within the story and read anyway. I really get into my books. "Mom, it is more than that, it is a love story and I think you will like it!" I ask her to read a book that I think she will like and we agree. I have been slightly obsessed since. I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. these books!
My husband is worried. I ask him why he can't be more like Edward? If you read them, you will know what I am talking about! He said he would gladly suck my blood. He is so disgusting!
The basis of the book Twilight is 2 people fall in love, 1 mortal, 1 immortal, the 1 mortal wants the immortal to make her mortal so they can be together forever...but he loves her more than that. He thirsts for her blood but will not kill her. Sound interesting? hee hee That is just the first book...you must read NEW MOON because that is when the WEREWOLVES come on the scene and 1 of them is in love with the same girl the vampire is in love with. Whatever will she do??!!
You found out how much each mythical creature loves her in Eclipse and you find out who she chooses in Breaking Dawn. Oh...the suspense!
To top it off...the movie is coming out November 21st. I will be there. Yes, I will. I have been watching several youtube clips about the upcoming feature. Entranced!
Why do I get this way?
I love reading about books that take me back to being young. I love relating to my daughter more by reading things of her interest. I relish this storyline. I think Stephanie Meyer(author) is a genius.
No, I have not gone off the deep end. I get this way about things that fascinate me. I will be normal soon. Whatever that is worth! ;)
In the mean time, I have still managed to read my other authors in between books to keep my wits about me. ;) I do not just read books about vampires...although this has renewed my interest in the history of the true vampires-mere humans with no super powers but thirsted for blood...where the myths started and the immortal mythical creature derived from in the first place. Vampire legends.
Maybe I will be normal AFTER Halloween. ;)
Oh-and my husband one time had a dream he was turning into a werewolf. I heard him growling in the middle of the night. Freaked me out. A long time ago. Hmmmmmmm....

J is 15. Backing up. Wish I had pics loaded. GRRRR...

2008-10-05T11:49:00.006-04:00

Backing up to August 28th (could not go without blogging about this)-this was the night J's dad and I took her to the hospital. She was having stomach pains. Appendicitis was our first thought. We were worried but knew it would be taken care of...we take her to the ER. They do bloodwork. White cell count is up- apparently, that means there is an infection somewhere. They proceed to take her in for a cat skan. Nothing. Urinalysis. Nothing. Ultra sound. Possible cyst on ovary. I have since found out this is common but when it happens to your almost 15 year old daughter it is just scary. J has not been to the hospital since she has jaudice as a baby. She is an extremely healthy and active teenager. This was just a wake up call. A long, emotional night for mother and daughter as these tests are done and she feels in pain as well as violated. As a parent, I now understand what my dad meant when he would be wiping my face as I threw up and telling me he wish it were him. THAT is true unconditional love and THAT is what I have for my daughter. I would have done anything to take that pain away from her. Anything.
Since then for J...
Volleyball practices and games.
Cheerleading practice. Getting ready for STATE-November 14th-WOO-HOO!
Homework. Homework. Homework.
Boyfriend.
Lots of love, tear and hugs from mom as she turns 15...
again, I wish I was like all of you other bloggers and would get my act together with pictures. I have so many GREAT pics of her that I would love to share.
She is getting so good at volleyball. Left-handed spike. Great grades. Loving cheer. Full of life. And well...a fifteen year old.
September 27 ( a month after hospital visit) I had her birthday dinner at a local popular restaurant with 8 of her friends and boyfriend. Her grandparents and immediate family. 2 days before her birthday.
September 29-HER DAY! Her dad gave her a suprise party ( a pic would be nice) after her volleyball game (which was on her birthday) after the game. Pizza, cake and party bags.
Her birthday was celebrated and now on to another chapter in her life...
J at 15...
1. Beautiful.
2. Fashionable. Loves her clothes. Serious business.
3. Cheerleading.
4. Volleyball.
5. Sensitive.
6. In love.
7. Determined. Focused. Driven.
8. BUSY!
9. Moody
10. A lot like her mom, yet so different.

I don't say *in love* lightly. I like and care about her boyfriend a great deal. He is a sweet boy who is very good to my daughter. As a mom, I have the obvious concerns. Said boyfriend did get her a beautiful ring for her birthday. Don't panic. This is not an engagement. Just a ring. A ring that shows he does care. And I see that he does.
HELP!

Happy Fall Y'all!

2008-09-21T19:23:00.002-04:00

Yes-it is officially here. My favorite time of the year!! I just took a "Happy Fall" bag over to one of my good friends who also enjoys fall as much as I do! ;) I have been in a chipper mood today. Finally. I have been feeling rather lethargic lately and was getting to the point where I felt I might need some bloodwork done again, special vitamins or SOMETHING to make me get UP AND AT IT!
Last night hubby took me out for a steak dinner and a movie-it was heavenly but I just felt ugh. I didn't want to disappoint him and tell him that laying around in our house with blanket, the windows up with that fresh air, and a good book would be all I would need if he would just bring home Chinese. But, we were due for a date. We saw, "Burn After Reading." The worst. movie. ever.!! I think Brad Pitt and George Clooney lost a bet to have starred in this movie. The sad thing is we paid full price to see it. Very sad. It was just terrible. Oh well. Our date wasn't! ;)
Today I took my mom and daughter J for lunch and shopping. My mom turned 60 this past week. She is going strong considering her bad health in the past. I like to take her and spoil her once in a while. I was worried I might not feel up to it-but once I got out and about-I started feeling somewhat NORMAL again. We ate at an Italian Rest., went to the mall, Kohls, and Wal-mart. I came home and washed my car, put fresh sheets on the bed, and went to see my friend. I hope this means I am in for a good week! White I was out playing, hubby is making our yard a little prettier for the upcoming Holidays. Creating more spots for my mums! ;) I love him!
Get those Pumpkin candles and Fall decor out my friends (I have for two weeks now). IT IS FALL!!

Previews and Popcorn!

2008-09-13T17:05:00.005-04:00

After a LONG week of teaching, going to practices, and volleyball games...I managed to steal a rare moment with one of my best friends since HS. The evening began with me telling H and J that if they straightened and dusted their rooms then I would take them out to dinner. (yes-I am steal a clean freak) After all, it is a Friday night. H gets a call and an invite to her friends house-absolutely-go...have fun. J gets an invite to a baseball game in another town with one of her friends and her mom. Okay-no biggie. I am my best company. Hubby works late on Fridays. House is clean. Why not just read a book? I call my friend who is rarely free and WA-LA-we plan to meet for dinner. We meet at a local restauraunt-it is packed. I detest waiting in line to eat. She then informs me she is not that hungry. I am starving. We decide to see a movie. I get fast food to go with popcorn on my mind for dessert. Oh-the healthy eating I do!! We rush up to the theater and just see what is playing-we randomly decide on a movie we have never seen because it fits the time slot we need. We saw, "The Women"-a great chick flick about love, marriage and friendships. It was a great moment. We laughed, sighed in understanding, and just appreciated the fact we managed to get some time together without our kids!
I am a preview nut. Jean1 can attest to this. I like to get to the theater, popcorn and drink in hand, AT LEAST 5 minutes before the movie begins. I am not a late person. ;)
This friend and I ate our popcorn, junior mints, and relished in the previews of some great new movies coming out...
Four Christmases (Vince Vaughn (LOVE HIM) and Reese Witherspoon)
Nights in Rodanthe (read the book)
Secret Life of Bees (plan on reading the book)
I hope I get another chance to catch one of these movies with one of my preview and popcorn pals! And Jean1 can show up when the movie starts if would like! ;)

"Difference between soccer moms and pitbulls?

2008-09-04T11:03:00.002-04:00

Lipstick". My favorite quote of last nights republican convention. While not all the readers are people are republicans or democrats...we are, on a large part, parents. Mom's mostly. So when I heard this line it made me laugh. We, as parents are a bit like bulldogs when it comes to our kids. It's what Jean 2 calls her "mama claws" when she thinks someone might have dissed her darling daughter. I'm not sure how the whole election will turn out, although I do have to say that McCain made a very wise and diligent choice in Sarah Palin as Vice President. Either way the election now goes will be historic...either the first African American President or the first female Vice President. I'm looking forward to the outcome.

Discontentment? Content? Life and its changes!

2008-08-17T12:48:00.004-04:00

I sit here on a Sunday morning feeling content...yet a slighty feeling of discontentment goes along with that. I just finished making blueberry muffins, reading my bible, and now I am drinking coffee. I feel blessed. My hubby and I couldn't be getting along better. J has recently started HS (sniff sniff) but she is determined to get good grades-always-and be the best dressed while making a statement with her clothing-not in a show body piercings (only her ears) and black leather way, but in an exceptionally fashionable way. She has a flare for style. I love to see what she is going to put together next. This year she will be doing volleyball, school cheer, track, student council, and a few clubs that have yet to be decided. ;)
H is laying low. She is not a fan of school. She is smart and gets good grades but is ready to be done! She is entering her second year of HS. This also is hard to believe since I have known her since kindergarten. Crazy!
B has recently moved in with her mom to another town. Although I am at peace with this, I know it hurts my hubby. He is doing better than I thought and being very accepting of her transition. She seems happy and has plenty of friends. I truly wish her the best. I have known her since she was 3 and raised her up until now so life has certainly thrown our family a curve.
I go back to everything happens for a reason. There is a reason she needs to do this. She might meet her future there...all in God's plan. ;)
It goes without saying that since the darlings are all back in school...so am I. This is my second year teaching middle school. I still love it. I love my new group-I anticipate this to be a great year. I just can't believe how fast time goes...my seventh year of teaching!! WHAT? How can that be? Didn't I just graduate? I just can't get a grasp on time. It amazes me. I must get on with my life rather than sit around and think...two years ago-this is where my family was and what we were doing...5 years ago....so forth and so on....I tend to daydream and drift off wishing things were different instead of simply enjoying the present. This is always the hardest on me when school starts-every year is a milestone and makes me look back on the previous years for all of us. Fall brings about special memories.
So-I am discontent...yet content. Simply weird!

A Pair of Jeans return

2008-08-07T12:47:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Size what?

2008-07-12T22:50:00.002-04:00

I don't understand the sizes anymore. There's a size zero, which I didn't even know that they had. It must stand for: 'Ohhh my God, you're thin.'
- Ellen DeGeneres

I have four children, two are young (5 &8) two are TEENAGERS. Going shopping with the younger ones makes sense...the older two, not so much. Today, after our garage sale we made a trip to the resell shop to see if they would buy any of their name brand items before we donated them to a local charity. The requirement for the shop, as they evaluate your stuff to see if it's worthy of their shop, is that you must remain in their store until they can call you up to tell you how much (or how little) they will pay you for your items. I understand, they have much to do, like go through everything to see if they want it first before putting it out on the sales floor, often for 5x what they paid you for it {side note...we found a skirt that my daughter sold them last week for $2 marked $10 on a rack...the exact skirt that still had her intitials on the tag}.
But I digress...(and I obviously have decided to use way too many ...'s) As we wandered the store while they picked through our baskets of clothing I had a chance again to ponder the sizing of teens clothing, and I'm not referring to midriff baring tops nor butt revealing mini-skirts. I am talking about clothes that are sized "0" or even "00" and "xs, xxs, and even one xxxs" not to even mention all the size "1, 2, and 3's" that look like my five year old should be wearing them. I know I'm a bit on the mature side of age, but when I was a teenager I do not remember there being clothes that were smaller than 5's when it came to girls in school...and its not like there weren't thin girls, I was a seven and I know I was normal sized. It seems like maybe we are just steps away from sizing clothes into oblivion.

Family Vacation...Done! Next?

2008-07-10T12:52:00.007-04:00

I have to say I am not the typical woman. I normally do not look forward to family vacations as much as I have noticed some of my friends do with their families. I don't consider myself a pessimist by any means...just a realist. My hubby is the eternal optimist for vacations. He loves them and can't wait to HIT THE ROAD and get out of here. This year, I loved it also. I went into this family vacation with NO EXPECTATIONS and a great attitude. I didn't care how my family acted-I was responsible for my own attitude. I was determined to create my own happiness. And I did.
Example: We left the July 3rd at night and drove ALL NIGHT LONG to Gulf Shores. Like idiots (and I say that lightly) we didn't make any reservations. And guess what? That day was the 4th of July. After my hubby drove all night long we quickly found we had no place to stay. And no hope in sight. We drove ALL over looking for hotels. We did manage to make reservations for the next THREE nights but what to do that night? Long story short...I called Jean1 to see what she could do to help us-all while maintaining my sense of humor. She tried but sometimes what is available online isn't availabe when you call. I would like to also say that we didn't rent our usual minivan this year in order to save money so we were all crammed in my car. A nice car but not made for that long of a drive with three sleep deprived teenagers in the backseat. They handled our setback wonderfully although I knew they were disappointed. We ended up driving an hour out to get an old and yucky motel room. But this is the amazing thing...gratefulness sets in when you are desperate. I had been in the same clothes for over 24 hours. I felt hot and disgusting. A shower and a bed anywhere would suffice. We stayed there-we all showered and slept for about 14 hours and then the real vacation began. The place we stayed the rest of the time was a two bedroom luxurious condo with everything-including a washer and dryer. We packed NO dirty clothes home! ;)
We shopped, beached it, and ate. Hubby and I had a few stolen moments alone on the beach, some great beach walks and talks! I was determined to stay positive and it paid off for the whole family.
I go back to there is always a reason when something doesn't work out-maybe we would have had a wreck if we would have stayed there that night....who knows? God has a reason for EVERYTHING even if it is just a test for us. I passed the test. And so did my family. We perservered and had a great vacation overall!! Next year, the intentions are making reservations and not going with our normal spontaneity and FLYING. We will see.
Last night-all the kids were gone to their other parents. Hubby took me to Olive Garden, the mall, and to a movie...and last but not least...WAL-MART! The perfect date! We are still on vacation!
Next...I leave for cheerleading camp tomorrow and will be gone three nights and four days!
Must keep positive attitude! ;)
Oh and last but not least...
A picture of Jean1's magnet will be posted as soon as I have a chance to give it to her with the usual joy and anticipation on her face! ;) You be the judge! Did I mention how much I DETEST that gargoyle or more like fear the hideous creature that stares at me with its glowing eyes as I get ice? ugh But the deal is, they must be displayed. Lord help me!

Who's calling these magnets ugly?

2008-07-05T22:53:00.002-04:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

It's time once again to revist the subject of vacations. Jean 1 and I both have a few travel plans for the summer.
I first traveled, with my husband to Mexico (his favorite travel destination) for a week in June. We had a lovely time, the resort had 11 pools and wonderful food. But most importantly, I found a truly ugly magnet...made more perfect only by the fact that the name for the area to which we traveled was put on UPSIDE DOWN. Yep! That would be the one for Jean 2.
Next, I traveled to Chicago with a couple of friends for a 40th birthday girls weekend. We saw the musical "Wicked", went on a shoreline cruise, got Johnny Depp's autograph and ate wonderful food and participated in terrific shopping. But, again, most importantly....I found a hideous magnet. (Judge for yourself...it's the one on the right in the photo) It has been my most expensive purchase when it comes to ugly magnets. $5.99. It has the perfect patina, the right size orientation and. AND. It GLOWS in the dark...and the eyes...those red eyes...they reflect light. (Deep sigh of satisfaction)

My only regret? I gave these to Jean 2 on Thursday...the day she left for her vacation with her family. I'm now thinking I should have waited until she returned, because anyone that knows her knows that she is now on a search to somehow top my most excellent gifts. ;)

Christy "having a catch"

2008-06-30T16:09:00.002-04:00

IMG_0088
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

When I was a little girl my Popa used to tell us kids, usually when we were getting loud enough to annoy him, to go outside and "have a catch". We'd look at him weird and then usually go outside and be loud. It wasn't often that we were enthralled by the idea of throwing a little ball back and forth between us...because really, what was the point in that? But to Popa it was more than the mindless idea of standing in the yard and throwing a ball just to occupy time. To him, it represented freedom.
When he was a boy growing in up in rural Missouri most daylight time was spent working. He was either working on the area property or was hired out to another farmer nearby to do work on their land. The way times were, men, women and children were always busy making sure they had food to eat, clothes to wear and the never ending endeavor of trying to provide for tomorrow. And then when there was a chance to just relax and be free...they might get to play some baseball or at the least find a few minutes to "have a catch". Just stand there with someone else without worry or time constraints and throw a little ball back and forth.
As I think about how precious these times were for children in the 1920's I find myself struck with a sense of awe. Awe because my Popa wasn't a bitter man, riled with indignation at the unfairness of life or the pressures that came with life. Awe because most of the men and women from that time period all had a deep sense of thankfulness for the life that they had. Awe because they came through the depression and World Wars and high mortality rates and so much hard living, but yet they continued to give and give so well that we have many people who cannot fathom living such a life.

I sit and watch Christy, in this age of abundance and wealth...despite what the economists are telling us....and see that we are still being given so much by our Popa's and Nanny's and all the others of that age. We are still receiving and I am deeply grateful!

Summer 2008

2008-06-26T20:55:00.002-04:00

Summer school!
Teacher conferences!
Weddings!
Cheer practices!
Cheer camps!
Family vacation!
Vacation with Jean1!

Enough said!

I will return with a blog about each. Slightly busy and working on maintaining healthy relationships with those that feel neglected!

What's a girl to do?

2008-05-29T12:15:00.002-04:00

Here I sit-I have been off for almost a week now with the exception of having to go into work on Tuesday for the infamous "teacher work day"- and I am like...what is there to do? The girls are gone for a few days. I have to take J to vball camp this morning-ugh-but now she is at her dad's house. I bought my furniture for the sunroom. I now look in there and think this can't be my room. I have no doubt I will enjoy that room to the fullest!
I am feeling onery. I need to dust a few things-my phobia-dust. I want to do something but don't know what...I am behind on my reading... I should do that. When I am doing other things I often wish I was home reading, when I am home I wonder what I could be doing. Weirdness. I am going to a party tonight that I am helping to throw. Going to pick up cake from STACEY tonight and then go to party. Maybe I should take a nap?
How was that for randomness?

BIRTHDAY BLISS!

2008-05-22T19:17:00.003-04:00

Although it didn't start out that way. Although before I forget, Jean1 and Jean3 (who is BACK home) had me over to Jean3's house for some sushi and gifts on Sunday! A small surprise! ;) Thank you besties! And sure I got my usual phone call from mom-ok two phone calls-the woman LOVES me. My husband gave me a white gold heart necklace with diamonds-so pretty. My daughter instantly told me Happy Birthday. All was well on the homefront...however, I had some friends/colleagues play a rather interesting joke on me...those that know me well and are my closest friends know how special I think my birthday is...therefore it is not to be ignored. But it was. At first. All the teachers were in on NOT saying anything other than a casual happy birthday-now I don't just think my birthday is special-I recognize all their birthdays as well. My feelings weren't as hurt as one might think-it was more like...grrrrrrrr....what is their problem? My best teacher friend ask me to go with her to Dollar General on our conference time-during that time-I vent to her and ask her what is their deal? Why has no one acknowledged my birthday? I knew her plans for me. She told me Happy Birthday and we had a dinner date. She was in the clear. No one else was. She played stupid. We were gone 20 minutes and when we came back I was greeted with a small but delightful party! A cake with a crown and wand. Some gifts. And some RECOGNITION. A small bouquet of flowers that had been delivered earlier were in the middle of the table -FROM MY WONDERFUL AND THOUGHTFUL DAUGHTER. ;) They purposely kept them from me until my party. They said they couldn't take my pouting anymore. hee hee I thought I handled myself well. Whatever could they have been talking about.
Needless to say, all was well in my world after that and it just got better...STACEY (would like you to her fabulous blog if I could remember h0w-Jean1 ?) shows up with one of her famous cakes in the shape of a flip flop. On the cake it said, "OLD NAVY sz. Donna!" HA! I loved it. Strawberry. My favorite. My family all took me to dinner at Lamberts that night. Jean1 and her family joined in the festivities.
I am just blessed. Often ungrateful, but the Lord knows my heart and continues to bless me with wonderful friends that continually pray for me and try to teach me lessons. ;) Good for them.
The birthday festivities/blessings continued on for me in little way for 3 days. I have never had a bad birthday. Life is good. Just wish I would not have to grow older-but isn't that a blessing-really?
The funny thing is I got some of the same card by some friends. They know me well.
A history and healthy relationship is so important among friends!
I am blessed!!

Birthday Splendor...thy name is Jean (2)

2008-05-19T18:16:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday...Happy Happy Birthday....Happy Birthdaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. Happy Birthday to you! Today is Jean 2's Birthday (if you didn't catch the drift from the post title, the first few lines or get an email from her reminding you that is in fact her birthday).

It seems like yesterday we were celebrating her surprise 16th birthday. And here we are 20 years later on her birthday wondering..."where the heck did the time go?" I know she's had a great day...she'll blog about that later, once she's basking in the afterglow of celebration.

Happy Birthday friend. I laugh with you like I do with no one else! :)

And you know what they say..."There's nothing like a good friend......and you're everything like one!" ;)

MOMMY HIGH...

2008-05-17T09:26:00.003-04:00

I am beyond proud of daughter J. NOT blogging about her right now would be just plain wrong.
She graduated 8th grade last night-it was a bittersweet night and hard on mom. I still can't believe my baby girl is basically a HSer now. Blows me away. Her grandma made her a photo album of her life from day one...I couldn't hardly look at it after graduation. That will have to be for a rainy day and a cup of coffee when I am all alone. ;(
J took home several awards last night:
Sports: Track, Cross Country, Volleyball, and Cheerleading
Academic: Top Science, Top Female Student, Top English, Mark Twain Nominee (reading all Mark Twain books)
Special Awards: Perfect Attendance, Citizenship, and last but not least....
EIGHT GRADE VALEDICTORIAN!!!
All her hard work and dedication has paid off...I didn't know before the ceremony that she would be getting all these awards. After 8th graders received their diplomas and were dismissed, J made her way straight to me and gave me the biggest hug. I never wanted to let go (stay tuned for another blog about that). It was a special mom-daughter moment I will never forget. She looked absolutely stunning in her navy blue formal, hair and nails professionally done and make-up done by mom. ;) I will do my best to post those pics soon.
I had the joy of presenting the MS cheerleading squad their awards along with my 6th grade academic awards. Since I knew I had to publicly present these awards at the podium (yes-they actually gave me a microphone)-crying was not an option that night. I HAD to hold it together -but afterwards, no holding back.
Her boyfriend also received Citizenship and Perfect Attendance. I knew he was a great kid too.
Some of the 8th grade parents decorated the gym all week long in a *Red Carpet Romance* theme. We put in a lot of time and work and we had the old MS gym looking amazing. After the dance a few of us parents took our kids and anyone else's kids that would fit in our cars to IHOP for breakfast. We got home around 3:00 ish in the morning. Today we get to go clean up from the dance, just not quite as much fun as putting it up.
I have been exceptionally busy and have not had much time to blog. May is a month in a teacher's life that is filled with bittersweet thoughts, no sleep, constant preparation, and much anticipation of summer. This May was extra busy for me with her 8th grade graduation!
My summer is officially planned out! Summer school, cheerleading practices and camps, teacher conferences and two vacations. All good things!
Let's hear it for daughter J. I will step down off podium now...

Gearing up for summer

2008-05-05T23:02:00.002-04:00

Jean 2 and I are happy to welcome Jean 3 back to the fold. She went, she saw, she came back! Yay!

Summer means many things to many people. To teachers, it means either a break from every one else's kids or a chance to make some extra cash teaching summer school. To students, it means a break...a chance to sleep in, watch too much t.v. and camps/vacations/staying up late. To parents, it means more time with the kids, more food needed in the house to feed the kids and some opportunities to travel. To me, this year it's all that and more. I am looking forward to some time to hang out with the other Jeans, to do a little exploring and introduce my kids to the ocean and beach. I am so looking forward to this summer.

Jean 1...all figured out for you.

2008-04-26T01:32:00.003-04:00

My sis-in-law took a personality test and I thought it was rather interesting, so I decided to take it too. I thought you all might like to see it, and maybe take your own test.

Date night

2008-04-25T15:00:00.002-04:00

Date night
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

Recently I made a comment to my husband that went something like this "I have been feeling ignored lately." It was said with a smile, and the comment was in regard to my husband spending an abundance of time with his new guitar...the one with which I had successfully surprised him for his birthday.
The next day I received a text from him. "Dinner tonight? Don't want you feeling ignored. :) "

I had the most wonderful meal....complete with sushi (of course), applewood bacon wrapped scallops and a perfect salad. The food was wonderful, but the fellowship with the love of my life...perfectly sublime. I know how deeply loved I am and cherish that security.

CHEER DRAMA!

2008-04-21T18:35:00.002-04:00

A few months ago I blogged about being a "Cheer mom, tired mom, proud mom"...little did I realize what the future would hold for me and J in cheerleading. I would like to first say I am proud of her for making the HS cheerleading squad. We had 32 girls show up for our cheer clinics. Some weeded themselves out. We then got down to the truly talented girls who wanted to be a cheerleader as much as they wanted to inhale and exhale. The tryouts were grueling to say the least. You might wonder to yourself why a MOM knows so much about the process??? Guess why? I am officially the HS CHEERLEADING COACH! This said with a mixture of fear and excitement. One might be thinking, "No wonder J made cheerleading." That being said, just to clarify and not justify, I did not judge. I had five unbiased judges and I ran the CD player. The tryout process was five hours long. After they gave me their recommendations-and I glowed with pride for my daugther WHO MADE IT ON HER OWN (she really did have a great tryout)-I had them announced today.
I am finding myself consumed with being a good coach and learning. Does anyone know where I can get, "Cheerleading for Dummies."
;)

CHA CHING!

2008-04-06T15:36:00.006-04:00

Text to daughter: Mama's taking the family down!
Daughter: MOTHER!
Mom: No groceries this week princess.
Daughter-Mom, are you serious?
Mom: Maybe no 8th grade grad dress either. Mama needs to have fun too.
Daughter-Whatever.
(She really does know I will meet her needs-trust me-she knows)!
Hubby and I celebrated eight years of marriage this weekend. Our actual anniversary is tomorrow. ;) I cannot believe it has been that long. And then again, I can. ;) We have had so many trials....but the good has outweighed the bad-by far! That means the good is GREAT!
Every anniversary we try to go on a little get away. We don't buy each other gifts. We simply go away and spend time together. The trip is our gift.
This time we decided on a trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. I ended up sponsoring a track meet the night before....ugh...miserabe eight hours that I will never get back from my life! MUST learn to say NO!!
Anyway...so we slept in the next day, totally took our time getting around. A casual breakfast, shower, check email, burn CD's (songs) of music we like so we can take on our trip, vacuum the car, clean everything up (don't like coming home to a mess-neither of us) , spray febreze, and got out of the house about 3:00. Decided on Miami, Oklahoma. Just over an hour away. Spontaneity! The key! Once we finally GET OUT! LOL
I am not a gambler AT ALL. I do not like to blow my money and to be honest, I have always heard it was a sin. Need the verse. Not denying it-just would like it for anyone who knows it to share it-no offense taken...anyway, off the box now. ;) I know it MUST be in the bible for all the grief that gamblers take. Perhaps it is the atmosphere. I am not a drinker-once in while I will have a margarita or a smirnoff-not often and I detest smoke. ugh That was the biggest downfall of the night-the smoke!! I do not go in with the deed to our house or the need for grocery money. ;) We go to the Stables casino. We are not pros at this. We walk in, sit down at the penny slots and play a couple of dollars. Passing the time. Decide to try Buffalo Run. Walked in, sit down at the penny slots and parked it. Hubby just watched me. I am sure he was concerned. ;) I was winning. And I was making a few extra dollars. We were there about 2 hours. Enough to get ahead $25-cash out and go to our motel. I know when to stop. I am cheap. I am delighted I came out ahead.
I do hope to go again. I have a strategy. A plan. I am not addicted. But I did enjoy it. EEEEEEE
Text to daughter: Mama won. We get to eat.
hee hee
I know to be an example to my daughter, but I am not a faker!
CHA-CHING to eight years!!!

Sweet Fellowship

2008-03-31T22:13:00.002-04:00

Sweet Fellowship
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

While visiting my second home, some of you might know it as Walmart, I found a calendar that I almost bought. Why? I do not need a calendar...I have many of them; the calendar was about friendship. The one pictured above has a scripture quoted "We had sweet fellowship together..." Ps. 55:14. I laughed, thought it was cute and then walked on. Later I circled back and read it again. I picked up the calendar, put it in my cart and walked on. Then I went back and returned it to the shelf..."I do not need this!" I told myself.
Standing there a few minutes while my internal dialogue argued with my reasoning brain I decided two things. One, I'm really weird. Two, I liked this calendar because this page depicts what I enjoy about my friends. We DO have sweet fellowship...not always "sweet" in words or deed (for we are a sarcastic bunch usually) but our spirits find communion and joy in being together.
(And sharing a good dessert from time to time doesn't hurt either.)

Spring BLISS...

2008-03-21T17:58:00.001-04:00

That's right. It is Spring Break and I am loving it. I haven't accomplished much-but that is okay-I have spent time building relationships-and getting to know Jean1 better. ;) That was a joke-we always have things to share but I don't think I could get to know her better. Time will tell.
Anyway-as a family we spent last Sunday spring cleaning. Rooms, cars, windows and blinds. That way I can relax the rest of the break. Tuesday we all went to the Joplin mall.
Wednesday H &B 's mom picked them up. J and I went for on a shopping spree with Jean1 and her family. We went to stores we normally don't have time to go to. We ate sushi. J's first time trying sushi and steak-she now loves them both and will cost me more in the future eating out. YAY! But at least it isn't chicken strips. The usual.
Yesterday I had lunch at a little sandwich shop I haven't tried with some teacher friends. Went for a long walk at Galloway. Had a drink. Relaxed.
Today a shopping trip to Branson Landing with J, Jean1 and her family. Another friend met us for lunch and shopped with us for a bit. Hubby is working late and I am debating on what to do with my time. J is at her dads house.
Read, library, call a friend, relax....I love this week. ;)
I am also getting a volleyball team together with old and new friends of mine. A great way to stay in shape and have some fun!
Happy Easter everyone!

Letting go...

2008-03-17T11:21:00.004-04:00

This is often hard for me especially if I am in a relationship and feel it is worth a confrontation and working it out. I am not against confrontation at all. I find it necessary. I strive for deep relationships with people and none of the pittly little how are yous? and fines. ugh. So superficial. If I am going to work with someone for long or have them in my life for any reason, I want a healthy relationship with them and to connect with them on some level. I search for it and I go from there.
I recently have confronted a former friend of mine about an issue involving my daughter and her little sister that are the same age. I heard she was saying things about me keeping the books for my daughters vball team and it was being repeated to my daughter from her little sister and friends. I didn't believe it. So I immediately emailed her and asked her. I was not in a postition to call her. She didn't deny it. I was shocked because I befriended this girl and defended her when several people had warned me. The only reason I was keeping the books for my daughter's is to help out the coach. I am not the coach at all. I make no decisions. This is J's first year at volleyball. She decided to try it. I casually say why not. She makes A team. I was surprised. She started the first game. I was surprised. She is not the end all-be all volleyball player but as her coach says she is motivated and working hard. Long story short, the former friend of mine basically accuses me of keeping the books so my daughter can have more playing time-her little sister didn't start. I didn't think anything of who started and who didn't. This is Middle School volleyball and they play TEN games. That is all.
Usually when I have a desire to work things out with a friend that I have had a falling out with-it usually happens. I was honest with her. She was honest with me. It bothered me she felt that way. I thought she knew me better.
I can take the heat, but when it trickles down to my daughter-that becomes a problem with me. She is undeserving of some treatment she has had during this drama. She doesn't even want to start now. This is where my BUCK UP speech comes in. ;) The drama has died down. I am fine. I have forgiven this girl without her knowing it. I can't just tell her I forgive her. That would fuel the fire. She doesn't see where she has done anything wrong. This is a small town, I was raised here, teach here, live here, and just wish everyone could get along. ;) This isn't the first time I have had to "let go" of a relationship, nor will it be the last. I just never like it.

Last Snow of the Season?

2008-03-12T21:15:00.001-05:00

Last Snow of the Season?
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

Today we finally lost the last of our snow (as evidenced in the photo). The temp actually reached 75 degrees, leaving with a sense of excitment and anticipation. Why? Well, I love love LOVE when spring rolls into town. I'm not a seasonal allergy person so there's no fear or worry about that, the flowers show up (tulips, roses, daisy) and the house feels lighter and brighter! It also means that we are close to summer break, opening up weekdays for friend time with certain school employees that have obligations to their students.
So bring on spring, baby....I'm so ready.

And the fun just snowballed

2008-03-04T17:14:00.001-05:00

IMG_3300_0626.JPG
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

This year we have had ice, tornados, baseball sized hail, flooding, and now we finally snow. My kids took this time to bond with love and some direct hits to the head.

DAUGHTER BUSYNESS? Is it my business?

2008-03-02T11:14:00.004-05:00

Just as February came to a close and I breathed a huge sigh of relief that I managed to survive, March comes in like a lamb. The lamb of course pertaining to the weather-not my life. For some reason I thought I wouldn't be QUITE as busy. Not so. My daughter J has decided to play vball and run track. She has always managed to stay active but usually the sports do not coincide with each other. This week she will have vball practice at 6:00 a.m. and track practice after school until 4:30 AND two away volleyball games. She is a task manager and she comes by it honestly. She has grown up with hectic schedules. ;) This is why I know she will perservere. My job as her mom will be to make sure she gets enough rest and eats properly. However, I am also leery of babying her because um....she is basically getting sick of me to put in mildly. ;)
This is her life and why I can see her perspective:
1.Her mom teaches at her school basically her whole life.
2. Her mom has been her softball coach for several years.
3.Her mom becomes the cheerleading sponsor after J becomes a cheerleader to be more involved with J.
4.Her mom is now keeping the books for the MS vball team and gets to ride on the bus along with free admission. A perk.
5.Her mom adores her and when she does do something FUN with her friends....I um....have some OLDER BROTHER figures looking out for her. Hey-she is only 14!
I think it is important that you see her perspective but here is mine...
1. I grew up with a mom that didn't live with me (but loved me much), and due to work and obligations, and the fact she did live 30 minutes away she was not able to watch my sports. I would see all the other moms there and I knew my mom loved me but I vowed when I had children....I would be there.
2. The reason I desired to teach AT HER SCHOOL was to be involved in her life. She used to like it. lol
3. Since teaching is my career...I am not rich.;) I see getting to ride the bus to the games as saving money on gas, admission, and being involved. I call those perks! And in a "round about way"money in her pocket.
4. I just simply desire to be a part of her life and be there for her at all times, yet realizing she is growing up and needing space. She starts HS next year and that is not the time to let go.
5. Her dad and I have joint custody and she is not always here.

I am proud of J. She has straight A's. She puts more pressure on herself than I do. She has intrinsic motivation and when she needs a pep talk, I am there. I want her to have so many experiences and truly live life. We all want better for our children than we had for ourselves. I love my life and I am happy but if I can help her avoid some tough roads that I took-then that is what I will do and I will be there when she falls. ;) But, I don't want her to push her away and need to find that happy medium.
J has hurt my feelings some this past week and we have discussed it, she thinks I am too involved...and as the reader, you are probably thinking the same thing...that is why I shared with you HER perspective. It is important and I do see it. I am always good at seeing the other side-probably to a fault. I am an eternal defender of the underdog (not that I think she is the underdog). Anyway, she WANTS me at everything but she does NOT want me on every bus ride. Although I usually don't talk to her or even look at her (I don't require her to sit with me-lol). I have discussed this situation with my dearest friends and it is amazing the perspectives I get. We are all so different. lol I love the openness and honesty I have with them. Many of my friends are teachers and their children grew up the same way. Some of my friends don't have children at all. My husband thinks I shoud cut the cord. His joke for everything. I will say when it comes to track, I will only go to the HOME meets. I do not enjoy those. Six hours to watch her do 2-3 events. No thanks. See-I can let go some!
What do you think?
What happened to that little girl that ALWAYS wanted her mommy and cried if she didn't have her? ;) She grew up. And it is hard!

Ollie Ollie Oxen Free

2008-02-22T18:16:00.007-05:00

I'm here, I'm here. I've been in my car more often then I've been at my computer lately. I have tried to blog from my iPhone, but it is so hard to get my words all lined up using only my thumbs to type while sitting at the red lights and waiting in the car line. But I have been reading all the blogs written by Jean 2 and have discussed them at length with her even though I have not always had a chance to respond online.

For Jean 2 here are a few comments that have not made it into the comment section:
regarding "Donna (Jean 2) there's been an accident"...I'm glad Jonna is doing well...I know the anxiety feelings and do not wish them on anyone.
regarding "My baby is back"...yay! I'm glad you do not have to stoop to driving that perfectly respectable truck that your hubby so willing handed over to you so that you would have transportation. Whew!
regarding "Valentine's Day and Good Weekend"...glad you are having good times that balance out the rest of life...there are too many people who do not get the breaks in life that are needed.

To other bloggers who I also read...
Laurie...the kids are cracking me up! I'm so glad that Jade has lost the need to trim Linnae's hair and that the blankets grandma made are being put to good use.
Stacey...your baby is too cute! And I think many moms have had the "tingly blood rushing from our heads to our feet as the kids say something completely crazy feeling" in the midst of walmart, the mall, right in front of grandma or even in church. You have gotta love God's sense of humor when you look back and recognize yourself in the very thing we are seeing in our children..especially when it is driving you up the wall, over the edge and all the way to crazy-ville. LOL

Well, I think that catches me up! I also want to make note of thanks to Jean 2 for the truly lovely post about my birthday. It has been a wonderful day full of well wishers, flowers delivered from my darling hubby, lunch out with two wonderfully loving friends, a box of my favorite mint chocolate truffles from Richardson's candy store (No, Jean 2...I will not save you one) a cute apron (I LOVE IT) and a bonus score of two cute pairs of shoes at my new favorite store (one pair was $10). Top that off with a inaugural run on my new treadmill that I got from hubby (I requested one and he went above and beyond to find one that I could plug my ipod into while I run/walk/pant/pass out). It has been a truly great day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEAN1!

2008-02-22T16:12:00.002-05:00

A special "Happy Birthday" goes out to Jean1. She is 38 today. I mean 37. hee hee She is almost two years older than me so I often forget exactly how old she will be on her birthday and love to tease her. ;)
She has also been absentee from our blog lately to complete laziness-I mean-busyness. Yes-that's it. ;) Perhaps this will derive a comment out of her. That is the least she can do to help me entertain our faithful readers!
Jean1 is dear to my heart. I could list 37 reasons why I love her as a friend. Actually more than that. I won't bore you. Here are just a few....
1. She always cracks me up. I mean knee slapping good times.
2. I can be completely honest with her about my heart (even if she is disappointed and trying not to judge-lol) and she is no longer shocked. Or she hides it well.
3. She is a woman of faith, patience, heart and kindness.
4. She prays for me even when I ask her not to. (inside joke) I just FEEL that she does.
5. She loves me unconditionally.
6. She is always honest with me.
7. She has a busy life but always opens her home and heart to others.
There are seven good reasons. There are more than 30 more out there!
Happy Birthday dear friend. Love you the mostes! ;)
200th post! WOW!

Donna, she is okay...but there has been an accident....

2008-02-21T14:28:00.004-05:00

To hear those words was too much for a mom. I was innocently eating lunch in the cafeteria yesterday and having fun with my colleagues like we always do. The secretary sits down, takes my hand, and I quotes the title of the blog. My mind starts reeling...Jonna. She went on that field trip today. Oh no! I am not usually overemotional unless it involves people I love dearly, and especially my precious daughter. My friends were wonderful as I received hugs of support and tears from them too. All moms know the feeling. We all have that in common no matter who we are...and I could not have asked for better students as I tried to gather my emotions together and awaited to see my daughter. They wrote me sweet notes and hugged me. They have never seen me cry and I proclaimed jokingly..."see I do have a heart!"
Here is what happened....
Two mini vans loaded 14 of our MSers off to their Spanish field trip to a Mexican Rest. to celebrate the end of the trimester. Every time I sign a permission form and give money, I say a silent prayer to protect my child and everyone else. All we can do is leave it in God's hands. But I am a chronic worrier and I am working on that. So -to hear those words was more than I can take.
Long story short-they were ALL okay. Praise God. NOBODY was hurt. And after an emotional couple of hours I had my baby in my arms. She was sore but fine. Her dad took her to the doctor after school and she has slight whiplash and was given muscle relaxers if needed. She hasn't needed them. She is a tough cookie-tougher than her mother.
I think she has had her fair share of accidents this month. God is good! I never want to hear those words again.

My baby is back....

2008-02-16T15:22:00.003-05:00

That baby being my CAR! YES! Finally-a month and $500 later-it now is home where it belongs. I was mostly delighted with the fact they cleaned it too. I love a clean car. It seems so weird to be driving it again after driving a huge truck. And it was also hard to drive down the dreaded hill to our house-the last time I drove my car.
Hubby is getting ready to take me to Macaroni Grill. I will finally get that Valentine dinner. Although, it is nasty out today and I am exhausted, the hunger kicks in and I guess I can drag myself through dinner. :)
The least I can do is go wash my hair for our dinner. Or perhaps a ponytail. I am SOOOOOOOOOOO lazy sometimes!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY BLOGLAND!

2008-02-14T19:22:00.004-05:00

The day is here. Some love it. Some hate it. However you feel about it-it comes anyway. I even found some funny anti-valentine's day cards in the card section this year. ;) I should have bought them for a couple of my friends.
Mine was typical. Card and chocolates in the morning. A rose sent to school. And dinner tonight. Sweet and thoughtful man. After you have been married a while, you can tell the difference in all the flowers and romance-now it is one rose. Money is an issue when you are married with three teenagers but the thought and love are there. And you might remember the trip to Hardees. hee hee
I am currently alone-not in a bad way-in a wonderful and relaxing way-drinking coffee with white chocolate mudslide creamer and listening to the Eagles on itunes. So mellow and calming! AAAHHH
H & B are getting special time with their mom. I had some special time with J after cheer practice! Hubby is on his way home.
We have had three snow days previous to this day. I absolutely LOVED them. I cooked, slept, and found out I am a much nicer person with sleep and no stress. Imagine that. I had the opportunity to catch up with some friends via phone and texting.
Some books I read: "The Choice" by Nicholas Sparks and "Amazing Grace" by Danielle Steel. I have many others to read. Spiritual and fiction.
Life is good. I just wanted to blog on Valentine's Day!!
Hope everyone had a special day!

Just a good weekend!

2008-02-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

I am having a fabulous weekend and it is very well deserved I might add. ;) I have been putting in some extra hours helping with the cheerleaders.
Yesterday I had lunch with one of my bestes friends from HS-MICHELLE- and we went and had our nails done. She has never had her nails done. Can you believe that? A nail virgin I said. I had the most fun helping her choose the length and style, but I insisted on choosing the color. I usually am an OPI girl, but I went with China Glaze -they have a color titled "I AM NOT BITTER"-I love the funky titles. I used to get my nails done all of the time but due to money and time-I just stopped. We were cracking up the nail ladies and other customers with our antics. Hey-we were in HS mode-because we could be. She said she felt all "Donna'd up"-but next time-she is picking the color. I am nervous. lol We have a standing date every two weeks to get our nails done until softball season starts (yes-we have not given that up yet) and then I will introduce her to the wonderful world of pedicures!! Love them! Although- I am struggling texting and typing with nails. I will perservere though!
After lunch and nails, I met Jean1 for some fun grocery shopping-always fun with her. Time flies-you get what you need and laugh while you are getting it.
I ran into Connie ( a friend from Wal-mart) that we have recently reconnected more and I had the opportunity to congratulate her on passing her nursing test. An impressive accomplishment with a hubby and four children.
This is the weekend without the kiddos, so hubby took me out to eat at a fancy rest. for Valentine's Day-are you ready for this? You are going to be so jealous...
HARDEES! I finally got to try the infamous thickburger and loved it. He said nothing is to special for me. We had a nice evening laughing about our "date."
My hubby drives for Fed-Ex. Our first Valentine's Day he took me to a truck stop and I had bisquits and gravy. I won his heart then-well-before that I have no doubt. :) I love truck stops and little dive places to eat-they usually have the best comfort food. I am not in to spending a lot of money on food. I like to eat out-but you can do it cheap!
The next Valentine's Day-we were engaged-and he took me to ANOTHER truck stop-we just laughed because he was actually making a run to these towns and I just joined him. We have since eaten at many different places for the Holiday-this is our tenth Valentine's Day together-but Hardees just reminded me that hey-I like nice things-and my nails done-but I am low maintenance when it comes to food. He loves me and my nails.
Today hubby and I are meeting mom for lunch and then I will meet Jean1 for a trip to the library and some catching up on our lives-it has been WAY TOO LONG. Yesterday! ;)

An expert? No! A purpose? Maybe!

2008-01-26T15:20:00.000-05:00

I have recently had several phone calls from some of my closest friends. They are going through some tough times and I am thankful they call me to help get them through those times. I *counsel* them to the best of my ability, do not judge what they share with me, and try to give them other *perspectives* and I always feel like I help them. If nothing else, I usually know exactly how they feel or have *been there-done that.* This doesn't mean I am *qualified* to be a *certified counselor* nor do I think I believe I am the end all-fix all of all of their problems. However, maybe counseling is what God is preparing me for one day. I have always been a good listener. I have been reading "Confident Woman" by Joyce Meyer (yes Stacey-yet another self-help book;). I love to be inspired and have good verbage to share with my friends when they talk to me about things. This book has been great for me to read-not because I feel I lack confidence (we all do sometimes) however it has reminded me yet again that we ALL have God given talents and a purpose. Don't concentrate on what you CANNOT do. Do what YOU know you CAN do. Be an expert at it. Why try to succeed at everything and be only mediocre at all of it when you can show expertise in one or a few areas? I can relate to Joyce Meyer in many areas. Always wondering why you can't do this or that-there are people who are meant to do this or that-and you might not be one of them. Use what God gave you and work WITH your abilities! Regardless of where you are in life. A stay-home mom, or a wife that doesn't work, a single woman, a single mom, a working mom, etc. It simply doesn't matter. The book lead me to the verses Proverbs 31: 10-31. Inspiring verses for women in all areas of their life.
And no-I will not result into *spiritual pride* or *self righteousness*-I know I have much to learn. That is why I delve into these books like I do.;) And in all honesty, preaching isn't something I have the right to do since my hubby and I are not currently attending church (not that I think that gives anyone a right either). We know we need to. We would like to. We just simply haven't.
Just wanted to SHARE with some of you the things I have been learning, not that I am an expert on. ;) But-someday-just maybe!

GOD'S MERCY!

2008-01-21T21:40:00.000-05:00

Jean1 was right-it is beginning to look A LOT like winter. Today was a day off for me and the girls. My hubby went in early like he does every Monday and then met us at the mall around 1:00. We had lunch, went our separate ways and shopped. We left the mall around 6:00 and had dinner at an Italian place. Not a care in the world. The drive was fine on the way home. All the girls were with me and hubby followed us. He tried to call me to inform me our roads and hill that leads to our house would MOST LIKELY be slick. But his cell was dead. I have never been good driving on ice. Ever. I have had many *incidences* with it but God has always protected me. I had no idea it was THAT slick. My car gave me a warning sign...low traction....but I didn't heed the warning. So-off we go sliding down the hill in my brand new car. I knew the girls were scared. No one screamed but there were naturally some gasps and fear. I told them it was fine, we would be fine and I honestly KNEW we would. I felt peaceful but just ready for the car to stop. We were heading for a tree on one side, a 15 ft drop and fence on the other side....I stopped the car before we hit either of these things.
I wasn't being as safe or careful as I should have been going down the hill like I did. The IMPORTANT thing is we are ALL okay. A little shook up but okay. Our wonderful neighbor helped us out. My husband is currently meeting the tow truck driver to have the car towed to our house. I don't know the damage but I know there is some. I love my car but it is replaceable. We are not. Thank you GOD! ;)

I'm thinking it might be winter....

2008-01-18T15:46:00.001-05:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

This photo was taken yesterday while I ran a few errands. I enjoyed the look of the snow flurries for two reasons...
1. It wasn't sticking
2. It wasn't too cold outside
Today we are back to chilly winds, but dry air.

On a different note, my weekend is shaping up to be a fun time. Jean 1, 2 &3 will be getting together (live and via phone) for our christmas gift exchange. Then there is another spa visit to Origins planned as well as the fact that there's no school on Monday for the kids (which means sleeping in and a visit to the $2.50 movie).

And Stacey....just a heads up, I am going to be needing to order a cake for Christi's 5th birthday. She wants horse/horses/ horse theme. Just thought you'd like a little planning time. Her birthday is in March and the plans have become a major topic of conversation for her. :)

Author Addiction!

2008-01-14T19:29:00.000-05:00

I have been told over and over again to read Sophie Kinsella's books. I have SO MANY books that I want to read and too many authors to keep up with. I have an obsession with authors...well...their work-I am not going to stalk them or anything-don't think I am going to be Kathy Bates on Misery any time soon (although it wouldn't hurt Debbie MacComber to get out the next address book before SEPTEMBER-would it?)!!
What I mean by obsession is if like their books, I have to ready EVERY SINGLE ONE THEY EVER WROTE...and that puts me in a bind being a wife, mom of 3 teenage girls, cheerleading sponsor, LITERACY council member, and just a woman! ;) I love to be busy but sometimes I just want to stay at home and READ.
Yesterday Jean1 and I met at the library center and I checked out eight books to read in the next three weeks. I can do it. I teach reading. I am a model teacher. No, I do not sit and read in class. Except on Thursdays. That is READING COUNTS DAY and that is what we ALL do when we enter my classroom is read read read!
Back to my point...I broke down and checked out one of her books because I was told how much I would like her (even though I feared getting addicted to another author's work).
I am now halfway through *The Undomestic Goddess" and am thoroughly enjoying it. ;) She writes all the Shopaholic books and I have been intrigued with the books, their titles and their covers. Now I am hooked. So-never a dull moment here.
And the good thing about Mondays is hubby gets off early, picks up girls and cooks dinner. ;) Love him! I did clean up and I have ONE night this week to be at home. All is content in this house tonight, a fire is crackling.
I shall read!

WOO- HOO

2008-01-12T23:08:00.000-05:00

566 songs in my music library now! I have been burning every CD I own. Everything from Eagles, Lynard Skynard, Matchbox 20, Casting Crowns, K.T. Oslin, Reba, Alice Cooper, Loretta and Conway, Def Leopard, Bon Jovi, and Garth Brooks ...Journey...Foreigner...Staind...Creed....you get the gyst. I love love love my music and I am in music heaven.
I can't stop myself. I can't wait to come home and choose a song...anyone have a Martina McBride CD I can borrow? Or how about Willie Nelson? Oh and don't forget POISON! Good ole George Strait-the best. And then there is Wade Hayes...does anyone remember him? Some great songs by that man. Guns and Roses? I only have one of their CD's. HELP! I have an addiction. ;) But at least it is healthy. So far.
Jean 1 -next time you come over be ready to sit down for some UNO and me saying..."just one more song, just one more...have you heard this...good-you will LOVE it." :)

THE QUEEN...that's right...that's me! ;)

2008-01-11T22:48:00.000-05:00

Tonight was homecoming 2008 at my old High School and currently where I teach! What a great night it was. I got to live a dying dream at my old stomping grounds. For Christmas, my coworker who knows me well bought me a crown as sort of a inside joke. She knows me well. I wore that crown all day today declaring to my students that I was THE QUEEN. After all, what should be.....well....should be. ;)
Tonight is always a bittersweet night watching all the homecoming festivities. Brings back memories of 1990 when I should have been queen. Bitter? YES! I still just don't understand. hee hee
I do help sponsor the cheerleaders and had a role in tonight-I mean-hey -my name was in the program-but I packed my crown JUST IN CASE. ;) After the homecoming queen was crowned, I smiled graciously at the well deserved queen. She is a fantastic girl with a bright future and one of the cheerleaders but I felt like her time on the throne was long enough-I mean come on....how many pictures do you really need? Sigh! So-I made my way up there. My hubby bestowed me with roses and sit beside me as people gathered around us taking our pictures. Hubby also tied a bouquet of balloons around my wrist. You may think I am kidding-oh-Jean1 and daughter J just wish it was a joke. ;) I proclaimed, "gather around my loyal servants, gather around"-jokes were made and a good time was had. J was a little embarrassed as I screamed her name across the gym and begged her to sit beside her mother on the throne. She has no sense of humor. GEEZ! What is the big deal anyway? Stepdaughter B handled it well. I think she might even have taken a picture or two. ;) But hey-she is my stepdaughter and slightly not AS embarrassed. ;)
One of my old HS friends (who, by the way, is very jealous of me-;) mentioned psychological help from her therapist. I let her know she was not a good walking commercial for the doctor! ;) Good one!
Anyone else out there *bitter* about not being something they feel they deserved? Fess up. Come on. Get real. It is healthy. I am working through the bitterness. Joking is more fun than being a queen anyway-really. ;)
I am now almost complete. A few more dreams need to be fulfilled. When is prom again? I will let you know!! Watch out prom queen-here I come!

Weathering January

2008-01-10T11:59:00.000-05:00

Last January our area had a massive ice storm. It left our city without power for days/weeks. Neighbors pitched in and helped those around who needed assistance. It was both a trying time and very difficult time, but also a wonderful time.

This year we have just dealt with the worst storm system to move through our area since 1962, and broken rainfall records that were established in 1870-ish. We had 70 tornado warnings issued in a 15 hour period and had about 22 reported tornadoes...more were spawned but did not touch down. I actually saw a tornado just 100 yards from my house before I rushed everyone to our basement bathroom...it did not touch down, but it did significant damage to the houses just behind our house and some damage to the school right behind us.

The next day I spent some time talking with the kids, who I had kept home from school since 3 hours of sleep is not enough to function at school, about the experience. It was scary. Very. Scary. I still am stunned that I saw a tornado that close to my home and yet the only backlash of it for us was having to clean up the trash from the dumpster that had been lifted and carried 10 feet before dumping it into our driveway spilling our trash. Our good friends from church had a tornado go through their neighborhood, but they did have significant damage...I have yet to see if first hand but I have been told that their fairly new house will have to be rebuilt.

I am remain amazed at the community efforts and caring persons who have jumped in and helped wherever they have seen a need. I love the area in which I live and the people, for when you set aside the politics and the denominations and just get real with one another, you find hearts that care and love and give.

Some things I have been doing in the new year...

2008-01-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

I have discovered a new book..."Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. Some deep thought processes in the book and it has been a challenge for me personally but I am determined to finish it. She is an inspiring author.
Planning my next unit for my class. I will be teaching a "Holocaust" unit. We will start with "Number the Stars" and then I plan on having them read a book from a German girl's perspective. I am amazed just how brainwashed the German children were...they actually thought that killing the Jews was necessary. Some actually turned in their parents for harboring Jews and their parents were shot as traitors. So very sad. Sad times that make me want to just be thankful to crawl into my warm bed every night. No worries other than having to get up early.
I had breakfast with my mom and sister this morning with daughter J and stepdaughter B. It was a nice outing before getting groceries.
I have a long week ahead of teaching, ballgames, my book club...and I don't feel geared up for it. I feel rather blah.
It was a nice day here in our neck of the woods-I opened the windows and turned on the attic fan.
I burned all my CD's into my music library. Why haven't I done this before now? I have no idea.
Maybe because I didn't have to clean my baseboards today and I had the time. Nah-I wouldn't have cleaned those baseboards.
We ate at a new food place last night as a family just to try it. "Red Robin". Good food. High prices for a hamburgar and fries. A new experience though.
We went to the mall and J got her winter formal and shoes for next Saturday night. Nothing like last year. She managed to find her dress within 30 minutes and it wasn't expensive at all. Royal blue dress and silver heels. She looked so pretty and too grown up. She will be announing the coronation again.
Eating. I have been eating too much. I am not sticking with Body for Life AT ALL. I started exercising again though. I desire to be healthy but I have a serious love affair going on with food right now. Bad habits that I developed over the break therefore I now crave pasta, Chinese and chocolate like never before. :)
That's all.

The New Year!

2008-01-03T18:21:00.000-05:00

WOW! My year is off to the most fabulous start. And I was a little concerned because of how 2007 ended. Just a little trouble on the homefront but all is well here now in our house-beyond well at this moment. My hubby has been off for two weeks. Some of you might be thinking right now *that the lazy bum needs to get back to work*-but he is not like that at all. He is the most productive and efficient human being I have ever met. I chose wisely. He has completely finished my sunroom and it looks amazing. I will put a pic on here when it is furnished. I would also like to add that while he was laying tile and grouting our floor-I was shopping, seeing movies, and having lunch with friends over the break. And when I got home, he cleaned up and took me out to Olive Garden and a bookstore (the perfect date for me)! And he loved it too.
Today I went back to work. He did not. He got up and fixed breakfast, made the bed, did the laundry. When I came home he had washed all the baseboards in our house with a toothbrush and bleach (I am a clean freak and like things clean but he is worse-yes Jean1 and Jean3-he really is worse), he reorganized some things so when I walked into the house it was SO awesome looking. I was thrilled. There is NOTHING and I mean NOTHING I like better than MY house to be clean. I repeat NOTHING! But there are times I can be a half asser because I am simply exhausted but I still want things at least presentable. He doesn't half ass anything-it is PERFECT when he does it. I will swallow my pride and admit he would make a better housewife than I would. ;)
It didn't stop there...he had went shopping and bought and had going on the stove...porkchops, corn, mashed potatoes and salad. We joked that he was the *bitch of the house* and how I needed to become a principal so he could stay home...and you know what-I am old fashioned at times but if he continues this....I am off to get my Masters in Administration NOW! It is only 5:30 and everything is done in this house. I have the rest of the night ahead to relax with him and literally be in love. Our girls are all at a ballgame! Every once in a while you fall in love again-not that you ever fell out-but you forget the little tingle you get. The tingle revisited me tonight. And yes-the clean house was a part of that-but it was more his act of love and service and his willingness to prove to me how much he wants this marriage to work! And I am working on doing more of that for him.
UNconditional love!! ;) More on that later!

HAPPY 2008!!

2007-12-31T19:32:00.000-05:00

We are off to some friends of ours house to celebrate the ringing in of 2008! ;)
I have much I want to blog about the upcoming year. Not necessarily resolutions but some things that I am going to try to accomplish or change throughout the year. ;) Okay-maybe that is what resolutions are-but I am trying to be more creative. lol
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Write more soon!

CHRISTMAS!

2007-12-28T20:19:00.000-05:00

Is it really over? ;( I get the after Christmas blahs. I don't like it when it is over. All the stores now have big green and red storage containers everywhere to replace the long awaited Christmas room of decorations and wrapping! ugh
I must say since I am a teacher-I am loving my break. ;)
Christmas morning was wonderful. All the loved ones in this house getting everything they wanted and then some-including myself and hubby. We spoil each other at Christmas and make sure and try to get everything each other desires. He always goes overboard-but why complain? And no-this is not what Christmas is about-it is about giving-well-that is what we do-GIVE to each other with love. I love to buy for him as well.
I got up and made blueberry muffins (package of course) and coffee. We opened our gifts-we asked the girls to go a little slower this year so we can really WATCH them and it all not be a blur. They reluctantly agreed but realized how much better it was to take it just a little slower!
J went to her dads to open her gifts there and eat lunch. He had her back for dinner. I had plans. I thought it would be nice that we meet my sister and her family at Shoneys. We always spent Christmas night at my dad's house and since his passing-it has been too hard. I thought this was perfect solution. We agree to meet at 6:00. My sister later calls me and tell me she isn't feeling well. That was okay-now it was just my family. We were all set on that scrumptious Shoney's buffet of turkey and all the trimmings. I had made a light brunch to tide us over after the muffins. Many people sent delicious baked goods for us to snack on...but we were careful to remain hungry. We get dressed and head to the restauraunt. It is closed. Now I will say I was disappointed but glad to see that Christmas was respected enough for it to be closed (for some reason I thought Shoneys was open on Christmas). We look at each other and laugh and say "Mc. Donalds!"! All the kids were fine with that-they were just hungry! I even tell them they wouldn't have to share a drink-and they could order OFF the dollar menu-hey-it is Christmas!Now-again I agree that everything should be closed for special Holidays but in this society-they generally are not. Mc. Donalds was...I was suprised because they are travelers on Christmas day and I just knew the infamous fast food place would be open. I am thinking in the back of my head if we were going to have to get a pizza at the gas station and microwave it...and it wasn't sounding bad. We drove to the next town-ghost town-everything closed. No place to eat. No one is upset. It then just becomes a joke about remembering Christmas 2007 dinner. I am not a cook. We are better off eating out . And I think it is cheaper, less messy, and no leftovers that go to waste. I also know how to eat out cheap. ;) We then go to Springfield (a small city) which we are positive something will be open-we drive up a main street-nothing. Until finally, we see lights...what? No way! Could it be? SONIC was open! It wasn't open in the two previous towns-but it was here! YES! And guess what? It was BUSY! Yep-I am not the only mom/wife that took their family out for that special Christmas memory. So-there we were eating our coneys, chicken strips, cheese sticks, tater tots and slurping our drinks happily. I am just thankful my hubby has low expectations and is just happy being with his family and the girls pulled it together and were grateful just to be eating. We just laughed about it and went on...in the grand scheme of things-who cares? Their bellies were full and we helped the economy in 2007 ONE MORE TIME!
The girls are gone for four days to their other parents. Hubby and I are working on making a better home life situation with our blended family-I know you are thinking we could quit eating fast food on Christmas and that would be a start-but that isn't what I am talking about-that is minor and as said before-not a problem with this family. ;)
I have had some great times with hubby and friends. Relaxing over coffee at a local rest. with a friend I work with and her little one. No time schedule and good conversation.
Today Jean 1 and I had OUR day. We had sushi, exchanged gifts of love, saw a movie.."P.S.-I love you" (good chick flick and even hubby would have liked it) and had a deep discussion about life. I love these times with my friends. Thank you Jean1 for my special necklace and goodies! ;) LOVE them!
Hubby is working on our extra room. He is off until Wednesday and so am I. I do value this time with him. This weekend will be "ours"!
Jean3 will soon be living close to us-so 2008 will be better for that alone!
I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and is ready for 2008! Bring it on!

Making Memories

2007-12-25T16:43:00.000-05:00

As a parent, I have found it more important to make sure that the things that get fed into our holidays are things that are of value and worth. There is a verse that has become the barometer of my thoughts when planning days and gatherings ..."Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." - Phl 4:8 NKJV

This Christmas we have tried to live up to these words. When we were discussing Christmas and the gifts we were to open on Christmas morning we focused on why we were going to receive gifts...because we love each other. We bought gifts for each other and for some of our close friends simply because we love them. We gave good gifts....not gifts out of obligation nor with strings attached, but gave just to give and in the giving we presented each other with the love that was attached to the gift. This year we made a conscious effort to give each of the children something they really really wanted. One received a cell phone, one got guitar hero 3, another a ps3 game and the youngest got "Butterscotch". We were blessed to be able to give these things to them, but we first wanted them to understand that as much as they liked the gifts...our love far out shined the "things". As they each began to open the gift that they most desired we said "we are giving this to you because we love you so much" and they when they opened it the look of pure joy fed our spirits and filled our hearts. Each child gave the one opening the gift undivided attention as they opened the gift, it was a day full of memories!

And yes, Rob and I each received wonderful gifts as well, things we both really wanted...but the day was the greatest of gifts...a reflection of The Gift given to us before we were ever born...a gift that was given with great sacrifice and great love. Merriest of Christmases to each of you.

Twas the night before Christmas...

2007-12-24T19:45:00.000-05:00

And all through the house, not a child here and there better not be a mouse! lol
Hubby and I are summing up Christmas. We are wrapping those last minutes little joys. The girls are at their other parents celebrating Christmas Eve like they always do. How do we celebate? Guess! The mall! We went there one last time just to see what deals they would have the day before. We didn't need anything. Just walked and talked and decided next year we might not shop so early so we won't spend as much. We will see how that goes. ha ha ha
Christmas Eve day is just OUR day. We do whatever we want. We have spent the weekend doing family dinners and catching up with family members we haven't seen in over a year or more.
The girls will come back tonight and open their pajamas so they will look cute and ready for pictures and videotape in the morning.
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT IS HERE!
MERRY CHRISTMAS to one and all and all a good night!

Operation Spending Money Mode-DONE!

2007-12-19T19:51:00.000-05:00

YES!! I have perservered! I am officially done with my shopping. And I must admit I am a little sad. I am a shopper at heart. And once the budget is spent and all is well with my buying presents for my dear loved ones, I feel lost. I hear some people say they dread the long lines, the mass chaos, and the faces of desperation on the people trying to hunt and purchase that last gift. My husband and I have plotted out strategies and spent MUCH time at the mall and enjoyed every last minute of it. Of course, I am still anticipating Christmas but this small part is done and I don't necessarily feel the relief I should. Once Christmas is over, I will once again hit the mall in search of those long awaited after Christmas specials. ;) Nothing like a good deal.
I have had a wonderful Holiday season so far and it promises to be a blessed Christmas. My daughter loves Christmas with every ounce of her being. She looks under the tree, counts her presents, shakes them and does her best guessing. I just smile at her knowing that I will love to see the look on her face Christmas morning. We all realize that there is more to Christmas than opening the gifts. Such a special feel of giving in the air. I am working on not being an *almost giver* and following through on the giving that is placed on my heart. I have had some good idea on how I can give to some special students of mine without hurting their pride and them not knowing who the gifts come from...the problem is...not in enough time...but next year I will not be an *almost giver*! I will perservere. And remember that giving just isn't at Christmas time.

Fun things to do with your Computer

2007-12-07T16:25:00.000-05:00

As most of us are in the midst of holiday preparations we find ourselves needing a little bit of relaxing fun. I have put together a short list of fun things to do, send and play...

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1203700255 a little something that you might enjoy....its Jean 1, Jean 2 and Jean 3 with a Christmas performance for you.

http://www.northpole.com/ games and fun stuff to do with your kids, also a place to send a letter to Santa...Santa even writes back!

http://jibjab.com another site to personalize Christmas sendings

http://www.blackdog.net/holiday/christmas/ kids site to play

http://www.noelnoelnoel.com/ recipes, games, music

http://organizedchristmas.com my favorite site...you can print out a holiday journal, planning pages and homemade gift instructions.

If you only use one link, use the elf one, if you do two, add the organized christmas one. :)

Origins Discovered

2007-12-03T18:13:00.001-05:00

Origins Discovered
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

Jean 2 and I enjoyed a wonderful couple of hours getting a facial, makeover and mini-massage from our two newest friends *Tina and Luanne*. Luanne was Jean 2's makeup person, Tina was mine. We were well matched. Jean 2 was sassy, so was Luanne. Tina was sweet and, well...you know. :)
We left with wonderfully soft and supple skin and looking very polished. The husband's thought we looked quite beautiful and I agree.

*Names were changed since we did not obtain permission from them to give their names. If we ever are granted permission I will change this to reflect the correct names. :)

Operation Spending Money Mode-still going for me!

2007-12-02T18:52:00.001-05:00

Shopping is such a wonderful joy for me and I have had plenty of chances to have that joy lately regardless of my hectic schedule. I spend at least one day every weekend at the mall and one would assume that I was constantly spending money-and at times I do-but not always. I just enjoy walking around, looking at new things, and getting some good ideas. If something shouts out at me and I want it-I can get it. And that brings me to my point...as Jean1 and I were getting our free makeovers today at Origins ( a natural and fabulous skin care/make- up line that I have made my own) we discussed how nice it is to be in the place we are in our lives. We are content and secure. And that is a good place to be. We need nothing, have some extra money if we do, and feel at peace with buying something if we need it. We are reasonable with our money regardless of our circumstances and handle it wisely. I am even on the frugal side some would say...my husband lovingly refers to me as tight a**! lol But deep down, I know he is glad!
I am loving this holiday season. I love the cooler weather (not freezing), Christmas music, the leaves literally blowing away. I love how my hubby and I have such a good time shopping for our loved ones together. He is my shopping buddy. Of course I love to shop with my friends, but for some reason, they don't carry my bags for me! lol Hubby does. He makes trips to the car if necessary-especially this time of year-to unload bags. And I can tell it isn't just to be nice to me...he enjoys this time with me as well. Once we get to the mall, I am usually the one that declares when we are done and he is a disappointed little boy.
I also had the joy of spending an all day eating/shopping day with my mother last weekend-a spoil ME day. She took me to lunch at the place of my choice, shopping to pick up gifts for the girls from her, and wouldn't allow me to pay for anything. My mom loves to spoil me when she gets the chance and due to a fixed income at her age-it isn't as often as it used to be but I know it means a lot to her when she gets to do it! We had such a great day together! And while she was spoiling me, hubby had the girls out shopping for me. Do I feel blessed? You bet! Not because of these material things, simply because my mom and hubby are always thinking of me-and that means something. I came home today after my makeover to a beautiful poinsetta on my table. Just another example of his thoughtfulness. He is working our sunroom, has to go to Lowes-and thinks of me! ;) I am not trying to brag-as I detest bragging-and goodness knows my life is not perfect-but I am trying to be more grateful for all the *little* things that I take for granted and be more appreciative-he certainly deserves it! ;)
I am almost done with my shopping and extremely pleased with my purchases this year and the deals I found. I anticipate a wonderful, blessed Christmas here for MANY reasons! Happy Holiday Season everyone!! Stay tuned for "Operation Spending Money Mode-DONE! " ;)

Uh oh-Spending Money Mode!

2007-11-22T21:39:00.001-05:00

Oh what a great Thanksgiving. My FIRST time cooking MOST of the meal and it turned out fabulous (if I do say so myself and I do-lol). My mom, stepdad, and sister and nephews all came over and enjoyed this holiday with us. I enjoyed entertaining and cooking for them and plan on doing it at Christmas as well.
Now that the festivities of Thanksgiving are over...tomorrow is the day...the day hubby and I get up at 3:00 in the morning and BOND. And I truly mean this. We used to hit those 6:00-11:00 sales and I thought THAT was early. Apparently, some stores didn't think so because now they are starting as early as 4:00. WOW! And I have heard some are opening at midnight. What fun! I used to work at Wal-mart and truly enjoyed working during the holiday season. Time flew and Christmas was in the air. I enjoy shopping it more though. And I am *thankful* that my hubby is willing to share in the experience with me. We have looked at adds all day and developed a strategy based on the needs of the three girls and ourselves. :)
To all you shoppers out there-go get'em-and I wish you a safe shopping day! Jean1-maybe we will cross paths-I just hope we are not trying to grab the same pair of boots and our friendship is tested...! ;) Jean3-you are missed this Holiday season here in this neck of the woods. I will think of you when I am at Bath and Body! ;)

Thanksgiving

2007-11-14T12:51:00.001-05:00

IMG_2229
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

This week a friend and I were talking about Thanksgiving.
Her: "It's next week, you know."
Me: "Uh, no way! I thought it was the next week."
Her: "Nope."
I have been doing all my planning with an extra week of schedule in my timeline. So I've jumped into high gear to try to get things done in time. Which then reminded me that I needed to find the Black Friday ads online so I could start my "Day After Shopping" plans, making notes on my Christmas lists.
On another note, my tree out front changed colors literally overnight. Sunday the tree was still all green. Monday morning I looked outside and noticed the leaves had changed. I am so happy that they changed just in time for our annual Thanksgiving get together with friends.

Yankee Candles, Christmas towels and Sushi

2007-11-12T22:51:00.001-05:00

enough said! :)

Thanks Jean 2 for a great day.

As I retire...counting my blessings/challenges

2007-11-11T23:45:00.000-05:00

No-not from my teaching career. ;)
As I retire to bed...I have been taking time tonight to reflect on a few things. I have had a rough two weeks but life is getting back to normal-whatever that may be. I have much to be *thankful* for, but a few things to work on. As I was *reflecting* tonight, I decided to go curl up in bed with my daughter and just listen to her breathe while she slept. I used to do this ALL THE TIME but I can't remember the last time I did it...tears come to my eyes as I am reminded how truly blessed I am and even though life gets difficult...I need to appreciate my challenges as well as my blessings. I started to make a mental list in my head of the challenges that I need to appreciate and be thankful (tis the season) for....and work on.
1. A blended family that continually challenges me. (must learn to appreciate the challenges of being a stepparent rather than resent them).
2. A husband that loves me when he shouldn't-but insist on doing so for whatever reason. (this man has mastered unconditonal love while I still have rules).
3.A daughter that I am beyond proud of-and continues to remind me of one of my most important purposes on earth.(must learn to work on snapping her head off for things she does that are things I STILL do)
4.MANY wonderful and supportive friends. (and only God knows why)
5. A career that is a challenge, provision, and something I am proud to be. (must learn to truly TEACH from the heart more than see it as I need this money)
6. A mom who is one of my biggest fans and is always finding ways to make my life a little less stressful. (must tell her more that I love her rather than let her phone calls drive me crazy)
7. Good health. (must learn to NOT take for granted)

So-see what a fabulous life. There are many more things that I could put on my list....but I will try to remember in the future whenever a *challenge* arises...to see it as a blessing. ;)

Time to breathe

2007-11-07T19:46:00.000-05:00

I finished my first three day Grand Jury session today. I must admit that I did find it interesting and enlightening. I love to learn new things, and have always been intrigued by people around me. I am also, I must also admit, a bit naive about people and life when it comes to those who live dangerously and criminally. I found myself dropping my jaw from time to time as I would learn about a new case to be decided. (As I have sworn to uphold all areas of secrecy I will not divulge any information in part related to anything that I am given to consider.) I now look forward to our last soccer games for the fall season...and just in time (it was 23 degrees this morning). m it comes to

Day two of being grand...

2007-11-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

Today was a bit more interesting, and a little easier to handle since I was more prepared to be away from home for the day. We received a rather intensive law education including but not limited to drug charges, immigration infractions and firearm issues. We read 100 or so pages of examples, charts, legal codes and procedures for indictments. The US attorney is very kind and genuine and the people in the room with me are intelligent and friendly...there are even three women who live in my neighborhood. Tomorrow I return for actual business of the grand jury. I will update you tomorrow, without specifics of course.

Well, isn't it grand

2007-11-05T22:01:00.000-05:00

I began the day in a rush to get everything necessary done before I had to report for Grand Jury selection. My second oldest was staying home sick, which provided a spur of the moment babysitter for Christi. Once I arrived to the courthouse I was sent through the security gate and then directed on to the jury selection room. After hours of questions and instructions and brief breaks I, along with 50 others, were ushered back into the courtroom to hear if we were released or retained for service. I.....was retained. :(
I am now obligated to serve my federal government for three days a month, each month until May 2009. Upon finding out I had been retained I was both disappointed and a bit worried. I still had yet to get Niki to the doctor and had to figure out the next couple of days for Christi to make it to school and get the kids to various activities.
I will try to write more about all of this tomorrow, but tonight...I have a migraine.

Weekend update....

2007-11-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

OK, so I'm already failing at posting once a day for the month of November, but I have a good reason...I'm pitiful.
I spent Friday cleaning out my closet, it was quite an undertaking since I had to try on most of the clothes to see if they fit, if I like them or if they are just past their cuteness. I also had shoes to go through, sweater boxes, the jeans containers and so on. I have a rather large pile of items to go to the resale shop, Goodwill and dry cleaners.
Saturday we had two soccer games, taking my son to a birthday party, running my second daughter to a friends house, running errands, buying a birthday present for a friend, picking my son up from a party and then heading out to a grown up birthday for a friend of mine. After the party came to a close I decided to make a run to Walmart since I had an extra hour of time on my hands (daylight savings).

Tomorrow I have the challenge of getting out of Grand Jury duty...something from which I tried to get excused, but since I did not receive my excuse I have to show up and convince them I am not a worthy Juror. :( (Not that I am opposed, but I do not have the childcare set up for Christi during the days that they would need me. So please cross your fingers for me...I've have been considering showing up with Christi in tow so they could see that I truly do have a four year old that needs my care.

Hope your weekend was a restful or at least somewhat peaceful one.

Treats galore and one trick

2007-11-01T17:48:00.000-05:00

Treat: Lots of candy
Treat: Kids had a great time
Treat: adorable costumes

Trick: automatic sliding van door stopped working mid trick-or-treating.

Hubby took van in, had part ordered and was instructed to
"DO NOT let the kids use the automatic door, it will fall off the track and then it will ruin the body of the van."

Now we move on to planning our Thanksgiving feast. The ham is already in the freezer and the recipes have been pulled from the cabinet for my grocery lists....onward we go.

53 days till Christmas!

Boo!

2007-10-30T19:25:00.001-05:00

It's Halloween tomorrow, which in our house means trick or treat day. We are not at all into the scary items, horror costumes nor anything that contributes to nightmares or scary thoughts. But we are into candy and costumes. This year my eight-year-old Ryan asked if we could skip trick or treating and instead find something less scary to do while still getting to wear a costume. Sure! We found listings for local trunk-n-treats that are being hosted by local churches and voted on one. My kids are very excited! And I am relived. In the past I've been in charge of going up to each house before the kids to check for scary noises, skeletons and such before they would approach the house. While I am glad to do what I need to make my kids feel safe and protected, I am thrilled to be able this year to just walk car to car in a safe and friendly environment for myself and my kids. Tonight I'll tuck in my little Princess Aurora and Captain Jack Sparrow with an easy mind for myself as well as them.

Happy Candy Day!

I'm here, just busy

2007-10-27T20:56:00.000-04:00

I have been absent, I know it's a busy season for most of us parents, a way that I actually like life. I subbed for my friend in the computer lab a few times this week, coached soccer practice, two soccer games, ran carpool for dance practice, church a couple of times, celebrated my oldest daughter's 14th birthday (on Monday night) shot two photo sessions, started a bunco group with a friend and then life in the home. Yep. I've been going pretty much non-stop. And...I love it! Sure, I get tired...but I love the whole life surrounding being a mom, sub, photographer, computer nerd and wife. I would go absolutely crazy if I were home all day..everyday.
I have missed writing, ten times a day I think "Hey, I need to blog about this." November is NaBloPoMo. What is it? It's National Blog Posting Month! So for the month of November I am committing to blogging once a day on at least one of my blogs....Help keep me accountable, please. :)

The next step....

2007-10-26T18:38:00.000-04:00

I felt since I was doing so well working on my body that I owed myself a little check up. Not that it was a treat. There is NOTHING I dread more than blood being removed from my body. Okay-maybe surgery! EEEKKKK Anyway-I had the day off after a late night of PT Conferences that went very well-another day, another blog.
I slept in. Got up. Thought about cancelling my wellness check up but I never have another chance to do it-so I forced myself to go on this chilly, stay in the house and drink coffee and read day. My daughter J went with me for support-I didn't make her but she wanted to go and I was glad. We had some quality time together as she babied her mother. LOL
I get there early to fill out all that lovely paperwork. They call my name and one of the girls I went to school with was back there. What a blessing! We have always joked around and bantered back and forth and I currently have her daughter in class. She talked me through it while the DREAM lab girl who didn't hurt me AT ALL took my blood. I didn't get cold/clammy until it was over. Then I had to lay down. I felt like such a baby. And I was. Then I talked to the doctor and found out I needed a tetnis (spelling?) shot. Fine. Might as well. Found out I needed to fast to get my cholesterol checked-ARGH! I have to go back to get that done. After all was said and done and I did lose 5 lbs (YAY) -the girl I went to school with brought me a good girl balloon and a little Winnie the Pooh. A well deserved treat don't ya think?
I am being test for kidney/liver dysfunction, blood sugar levels, and thyroid. Pray all goes well for me. I will keep you informed you faithful readers!
Stay tuned for PT conference blog. Oh the joy!

BODY FOR LIFE

2007-10-22T20:48:00.000-04:00

Yes-that probably sounds familiar to some of you...but it isn't just a title to a book. It is a philosophy! I am slowly but gratefully getting the *hang* of it. Jean1 has talked to me about this before...she is the reason I bought the book, she has tried it and had much success with it in the past. Now that I am 35 and I am aware of the horrible health history of my family, I have had to do some rethinking about my lifestyle. I have a desire to live a long life and see my grandbabies grow and thrive A LONG TIME FROM NOW. ;) I have a lot to live for and want to not just be alive-but REALLY live life. I have also read Robin McGraws book (yes I am a sucker for self-help books-common sense speaks to me STACEY) but her words were clear to me -that we as women have a responsibilty to our families to take care of ourselves. I must say...I admit I have never been fat, not necessarily skinny but not fat either. My body has been a comfy size 10 for many years now. I have been happy with that and still am. I know that my body is used to that and to lose a size, I will have to be disciplined (I also can't afford a new wardrobe)! My eating habits have always been terrible. I ate what I wanted and when I wanted it-I love food-Chinese, Mexican, Italian, a good ole Mc. D's cheeseburgar-swallowed by a big Dr. Pepper every time! I stay active-so what does it hurt? A LOT! If I craved something-I ate it. I drank soda, coffee, and sweet tea at my leisure. How long can I REALLY expect to get away with that? This isn't about losing weight for me. This is about FEELING BETTER. And that to me is the most important thing in life-FEELING GOOD. And for the past few days, I have felt better. I am not following the book as closely as I would like-due to lack of supplies necessary, but the basic philosophy I am following. I splurged and bought the book EATING FOR LIFE for more ideas on WHAT TO EAT. If I do this right, I have noticed I am never hungry. I don't exercise in the morning like the book suggest although I would like to eventually get around to doing that-I do it at night but I DO IT! My husband is interested in doing some of it too. The problem is our hectic schedules that go along with the daily grind that I always used as an excuse NOT to do the things I knew was right. Now, I have more energy to do those things. This weekend was the HARDEST thing for me. I find it easier to do when I am working-but I DID IT. Hubby and I had our day at the mall and an evening out with friends-I splurged some, but not NEAR what I normally do without thinking of it. I don't really think of this as a diet-because I have NEVER been on a diet nor do I believe in them. Just a WAY TO LIVE and a new KNOWLEDGE of my body. I hope and pray I can stick with it. I need variety and that will be my problem. I know there will be days I will just let it all go( I am a realist-after all)..but now armed with the knowledge I have....I will pick it back up! ;)
Wish me well. I will keep you posted. Any advice??

Laying down the mystery and forgiving....

2007-10-16T16:44:00.001-04:00

I addressed all my classes this morning with the said before problem. I simply told them how violated I felt and how much I trusted and cared about all of them and it was my hope whoever did this would please return the money-no questions asked. This didn't happen. But justice was done. The student that I was sure was in question was called into the office. I had talked to the principal that morning about my suspicions but wanted to give the student the benefit of the doubt. I was later called to the office where I was met with a crying young man, a very disappointed, apologetic and humiliated father, and $65.00 of my money back with a promise of the other $15.00 in the next two days. I sat down and told the student how he made me feel. I also told the father how impressed I had been with his son as far as behavior and academics. I know the boy is in a lot of trouble. And I have thought about him all day. He has a history and I am worried about him. As I was laying in bed last night... I was restless and was going back and forth between anger, disappointment, and the need to forgive. I immediately felt like I knew who did it, what needed to be done, and although I was relieved when the money was returned-I am saddened that it happened at all.
Unfortunately there are no secrets in the MS. I have told all my students that I didn't want to hear another word about the money....when the boy came back from suspension, we will move on as always and choose to forgive. I have a poster in my classroom, "You Can Always Be a Better Person Today Than You Were Yesterday", this is true for me as well! ;)

Allow me this opportunity to....

2007-10-15T21:28:00.001-04:00

THROW A FIT!
I am soooooooooooooooo aggravated and now have a pounding headache and I never get headaches. Here is the deal....long story short. I got paid today! YAY! I go to bank and deposit the regular check and cash my cheerleading check-my hard earned fun money. $120.00 worth of fun money. I am at ballgame tonight and get out my wallet that I specifically remember putting the money into after cashing the check-and I have $40 left. That's right! I panic-hubby and I go through my purse....retrace the day...he actually goes back home and goes through the trash. I am trying not to think the worst-that one of my students would do this to me. But I can't help it. It is gone and I know where I put it and I know that the only way it could be missing is if someone took it. I talked to an administrator and they are going to check the cameras tomorrow...and if what I am thinking is true...and I wish it wasn't so....someone will pay. All of a sudden it isn't JUST about the money-but a violation and trust! A trust I can no longer have. I always just leave my purse on top of my file cabinet and trust. I can no longer do that. A wise person once told me when I had $20 stolen out of my locker in HS that maybe someone needed it more than me and getting mad wouldn't do me any good. Go ahead and forgive them regardless of the known identity. So-I am going to do this. Forgive! And hope that the money is being used to feed someone hungry, keep someone warm and alive. That is what I can do. Writing helps me deal with these things...I started this blog out angry and violated....now I feel a peace that I just need to let this go. Will I starve? NO! As said before, that was my fun money and I will be fine. I just hope they will be too!
AAAAAHHHHH-sweet venting!

The Return of ME and FALL....

2007-10-14T20:19:00.000-04:00

Finally-just finally-I can take a second to blog. And I do mean a second. ;) Life has gone semi-crazy on me. I am supervising cheerleading, going to EVERY home game this town has regardless of type of ball or kids playing-because if I don't have a child playing or cheeering-then it is my turn to sell tea! I have no complaints. I signed up for this crazy life, and I will follow through with my commitments. Hubby is great about not complaining and accepting what I do and showing up for support or help when he can. I am still loving the MS and I cannot believe that the first quarter is almost over. ;) And FALL is finally graced us with its presence. The brisk air comes to us in the night and I finally turn off the air and open a window in order to welcome it into my home. AAAHHHHH-it is like God breathing life into me for the second time. ;) My goal at least one night this week is to sit on my porch swing with a blanket and read. I will let you know if that actually happens or not! HA! But...a nice thought it is!
We went to our favorite annual Fall Festiveal yesterday and I bought many adorable things to add more fall into my home. I love to sit down and look around my house and see little touches of the season and Halloween arranged around the house. Cute little pumpkins, fall flowers, scarecrows and ghosts (cute ghosts). Hubby decorated the yard with carved pumpkins and tombstone (silly sayings on them) and planted mums here and there. We both enjoy this time of year!
As the scarecrow says outside my classroom door...HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!

Thinking Pink

2007-10-10T21:00:00.000-04:00

For the two guys I know read this blog occasionally...you might want to skip on past...or go in knowing that you chose to ignore my warnings. :)

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month...in case you haven't heard. I have always had strong feelings toward this movement, since my grandma had a radical double mastectomy when I was kindergarten (which places her somewhere around age 45 when this all happened). She did not have the resources that we have today, due to research. Most of her siblings had one type of cancer throughout their lives...most of them breast cancer (if I have the correct information). Two years ago I spent a lot of time with a friend who had survived breast cancer. Two years ago I also became good friends with Riann, who had just lost her mom to breast cancer. This summer Riann (age 37) was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy, her sister will be having one next summer due to strong genetic history.

Today I went and had a screening mammogram since I have such a strong family history of breast cancer. I have heard so many times how painful it is, how unpleasant and such. I didn't get to worried about it, but did get a bit nervous as I was lead into the imaging room, I was not looking forward to such "pain". My technician, Michelle, was great. She immediately began talking, asking me questions to take my mind off the fact that she was handling my breast and positioning it just right. The good news...NO PAIN. none. It was a little uncomfortable. Not a way I would choose to spend my days, but all in all, it was a good experience.

So ladies, make sure you get your "girls" checked!

Can she really be 14?

2007-09-29T11:14:00.000-04:00

J is 14 today. Last year I blogged about her entering her teen years and the bittersweetness of it. Today, as I take time to reflect on her first year in teenhood-I am proud to say it has been terrific. She is an exceptional girl. She is currently President of Student Council for the MS, Captain of the Cheerleaders, and a straight A student with a drive that is amazing. It is my hope and prayer for her that she never loses it...her motto is STAY FOCUSED. When I see J walking down the hall (since I teach in the MS) there is this look of determination on her face (and she even stops and occasionaly hugs me now).
Tonight we party. We are having a barn party, bonfire w/ hot dogs and marshmallows, and the girls are camping out in our tent and a possible hay ride. This is the first boy/girl party I have had here and I am honestly looking forward to it, but more than ready to get it over with. My hubby has been the best by setting it all up and cleaning out the barn. He is probably more excited than anyone because this is HIS type of thing. And I am glad HE is doing most of the work. lol
I am not sad today. I am okay with her turning 14. And it is a day to celebrate life-a life that I am proud to have brought into the world! ;)
But in two years-I don't want to think about how I will feel for obvious reasons.

2007-09-17T21:32:00.000-04:00

I have been physically away from the blogs for a little over a week..not missing reading them, but recovering from a not so serious but painful thumb incident....yes, I'm calling it an incident. :)

I have been thinking a lot about my relationships. Not my familial ones, although they do bring me great joy, but my friends. I am abundantly blessed with true friends of the heart. Many of them I have known for at least 15 years, a couple longer. The beauty I am now finding is that we grow closer each year as we learn to live with ourselves a bit more and learn to see others with new eyes.
This past week, during my "down time" I began reading some books that I spied in the wonderland that is the library. I was drawn to them by the pictures on the covers of the books. (Yes, it is another case of checking out as many books in a series as possible...this set had five books so I grabbed them) The books are Sisterschicks on the Loose, Sisterchicks do the Hula, Sisterchicks in Somberos, Sisterchicks Down Under, Sisterchicks say Ooh La la, and Sisterchicks in Gondolas.

The definition of a Sisterchick?
Sisterchick: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you're being a brat.

Today I called Jean 3 and said "I know what we are to each other...we are sisterchicks! You, me and Jean 2." and she said "I've always wanted a sister and here I have two!" EXACTLY

I have a couple of sister chicks that I have know a little less time than the Jeans, but to them I go by the name of Margaret, they are Gertrude and Ethyl. We chat via messenger sometimes, we are planning our own getaways for 40th birthdays (Their choices will be fulfilled first since they are joyfully OLDER than I am , muhaaaahaaaw!)

I am thankful the the wonderful woman God has put in my life, given me joy in my hearts for them and blessed my very spirit with theirs.

Question of the day: If you could go anywhere with your sisterchick, where would it be and why?

IN FULL FORCE....

2007-09-08T12:15:00.001-04:00

My life is no longer just busy because of raising a family and teaching. I am now in the typical fall *swing of things* which keeps my adrenaline pumped and my multi-tasking abilities in check. My oldest daughter is now playing vball 3 nights a week, middle daughter is doing cheerleading and cross country and youngest daugther is just going with the flow of things and enjoying these activities. My husband and I, like last year, are on the parent commitee for the 8th grade recognition night. What that means to us is we are now at EVERY home ballgame whether our daughters play or not...handling our fundraisers and selling a popular local rest. tea. That leaves very little time at home. Our daughters are all like me and like to stay busy. Especially my youngest little sidekick. ;) But since they enjoy these activities and don't want to lose them....they must help out at home as members of the family.
Here is a typical day...
1. Wake up to a 4:30 a.m. phone call from hubby's work saying they need him to come in. Fine.
2. I get up and shower so I can take oldest daughter to vball practice at 6:00 in boxers and t-shirt . Usually hubby can help out.
3. Come back home and roll down car windows to air car out.
4.Throw a load of laundry in wash. Why not?
5.. Dry hair. Starts pouring down rain...go out to roll car windows up-hair gets wet.
6.. Take middle daughter to cross country practice at 6:30-still in boxer shorts and t-shirt! (we live 5 minutes from school-thank goodness-but still in country-weird-huh?
7. Come home. Dry hair AGAIN.
8. Check on laundry. Not done.
9. Make bed. (Because I have a disease and this ALWAYS gets done or I will break out into hives).
10. Get dressed-finally.
11. Put clothes in dryer. Contemplate starting another load-but realize there just isn't time. When is there? I hate laundry pile up. Stress!
12. Do make up and hair. Finally.
13. Me and youngest go to school to BEGIN the day. HA!
14. I do my Friday bus duty.
15. Teach all day. Much drama. Too many steps in the process. Another blog.
16. Do bus duty after school.
17. Come home and change clothes to meet friend for dinner and meet H & B's mom (her weekend).
18. Fold laundry-contemplate starting another load. No time.
19. Leave and have long, relaxing dinner. No drinks-I am driving.
20. Go to Walmart-get groceries.
21. H's mom drops her off because she needs to stay with us due to vball tournament.
22. Come home.
23. Hubby unloads groceries -I put them away.
24. I get a BURST OF ENERGY! WHY? I have no idea.
25. Clean bathrooms.
26. Dust house and vacuum rugs.
27. Take MUCH NEEDED shower.
28. Put clean sheets on bed.
29. Get in bed with good book!!
30. NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE!!

Now-I realize that probably bored you into oblivion-but there it is. A typical day in my life. You may have noticed there was no cooking involved...believe it or not...there usually is on a WEEK night if someone doesn't have to be at a ballgame super early-then I am in delegating mode. This is my FRIDAY night. You may have also noticed there was not much husband/wife communication with the exception of a few phone calls on our cell phones (I didn't put in all the in between cell calls)-there usually isn't on a week night. Last night while I was enjoying my burst of energy-he was cleaning out my car and organizing the garage-and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. I like things to BE DONE! I was in that mode and if he was in the house-he would have been in my way! We accept and appreciate this with each other. We are partners. And we are doing these things so we can enjoy each other later.
Today-I will fall in love with him again. Not that I am not in love-but we have learned not to be clingy with each other and give that space. That is just how it is. We focus all week on what MUST be done. And we talk when we can. Tonight is OUR night. We will cherish each other and catch up. We will go to the neighbors for wine and cheese. I am not a drinker by any means...but a nice glass of wine or a fruity tutti drink every once in a while is nice. And a happy marriage that gives me something to look forward to. As I sit here blogging, he is cleaning out his truck. He comes in and kisses me every so often to let me know he does miss me and....tonight will be special. ;)

My Funk and "My Friends-The Remedy!"

2007-09-04T17:08:00.000-04:00

Last week I had a case of the doldrums-better known as my funk. There was nothing really to be down about...I just simply was...everyone gets like that once in a while. That is life...I was told today to *count my blessings*-well of course I do that and there are many to count-and that should immediately cheer everyone up- right? Maybe it should-but let's face it- sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes life is just what it is...life. And you just have to perservere. ;) So we had a three day weekend coming up...and I casually email two of my BEST friends (Jean1 and Jean3) that I was in a funk and needed some cheering up. I meant maybe a cheery email or a quote to inspire me and those are great things but like always, they gave me BETTER things.
I get a phone call on Saturday from Jean3 who is currently in Nebraska and conspired with Jean 1 already. She told me to pack my bags and head to KC for a girls shopping, talking, eating and crying trip. All inclusive! So I tell my hubby what I am going to do...he didn't LOVE it but he understood and Sunday Jean1 and I were OFF to KC. Just when we thought there wasn't anything we didn't know about each other-we find out a few more things. There were tears, confrontations and perspectives shared. It was all good because we were in our *safe place!* Our hubbies are also of course our safe place but face it....we are women...and there are more things OTHER women can relate to. And that is what we do. I am proud of what the three of us have together-a DEEP connection that allows us to just be us. A DEEP acceptance of one another and their flaws. And most importantly-a DEEP love that overcomes anything we say...because we know each others hearts. Not being mushy-but it is true. And it is rare. We only get stronger!
This trip wasn't just FOR me-we all needed it and I THANK GOD he allowed it! ;)

As the sun sets on this week

2007-08-31T16:17:00.001-04:00

Sunset
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

Today I overslept...not terribly late, just enough to require my driving my two oldest to school instead of riding the bus. Today, my husband and I went to lunch with our youngest while the older ones were eating lunch at school with their friends. Today, I talked to my beloved at length about the kids, without interruptions while our youngest napped. Today, I sat quietly at my laptop and drank a lingering cup of coffee. In twenty minutes the house will be noisy, the kids will all arrive home from school. The youngest has just walked downstairs to claim the kids computer for some "dot com" time before she has any competition. Today starts the weekend and I am very happy. Not because I am exhausted from school routine, housework, entertaining the only child home during the day or because we are traveling. I am happy that I have a family that loves each other, that I have quiet times and noisy times, that I am able to get one on one time with hubby and family time with all of us, that I live in a school district that has wonderful programs and great teachers, that my kids enjoy time at school and time at home. I am blessed beyond measure and am so thankful that it is hard to not be happy.
To everyone, enjoy your labor day weekend..your family...your time.

Making things more interesting...

2007-08-29T20:22:00.000-04:00

I have now completed nine days of teaching MS. I like it-don't get me wrong. But I feel a little.....not bored...just um...I don't know....not challenged enough. Creating two lesson plans a day is a wonderful thing but teaching each one of them THREE times is NOT HARD-just very different than what I am used to. I knew it would be. And since reading is one of my passions...teaching it comes easy to me. I want kids to READ for the simple fact they enjoy it ...and if they don't enjoy it, I want to instill it in them to enjoy it. However, it is not easy when you have RULES to follow in teaching...when you have to make sure you teach figurative language, personification, literary elements, making inferences and context clues....and on and on and on....you are suppose to actually interuppt their reading a story to discuss these things. I always hated that! And now I am the one doing it. That is what I will enjoy about my day tomorrow...READING COUNTS DAY....they just get to sit and read....and you know what...so do I!!! After all, I need to model for them-right?
More about LIFE tomorrow! ;)

My "Blissful Evening" because of mom....

2007-08-25T19:18:00.000-04:00

Exclude all the drama that has happened this week as a teacher and escape to my personal perfect evening after hours from teaching....
You are teacher.
Your mom comes to school to pick up your kids.
She brings you carnations for your classroom because she loves and is proud of you.
She takes the kids home and cooks them one of their favorite meals. And for hubby of course when he gets home! ;)
She does ALL my laundry-special clothes and all and better yet-has it all folded.

While your mom is doing this....you are out with some good time friends at a bar and grill. No worries. You love your life, your husband, your kids, your job and your friends......but that night...you REALLY love your mom!

Love to my mom!

Hmm, wonder if she's trying to tell me something?

2007-08-24T22:11:00.001-04:00

Hmm, wonder if she's trying to tell me something?
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

My darling 14 (almost) year old daughter has made a point of letting me know how much of a geek I am. She likes to tell her friends that I have a "blog" (the word blog said with rolling of eyes and a sad smile). I would take umbriage with this attitude if I didn't know that secretly she thinks I'm cool. She even wanted to buy the shirt that is pictured above.
Now, I'm a firm believer in poetic justice...so when she came home yesterday from her first day of school I was thrilled to learn that in her computer class they will be required to keep a BLOG! Yeppers! My baby is about to become one of us....a blogger! Yea!

You kids are going to drive me over the edge

2007-08-23T21:54:00.001-04:00

You kids are going to drive me over the edge
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

Ok, so this is my second time to blog this...unfortunately it disappeared before it posted last time. (weeping and gnashing of teeth has passed and I'm now ready to type it in again.)

Today was the first day of school...which in my little corner of the world means traffic, traffic and more traffic. Mommy's and Daddy's in my area like to take their darlings to school for the traditional first day of school pictures, some even let the kids ride the bus and then drive to school so that they can get the "getting on the bus shot, getting off the bus shot and the entering the school shot" all in the name of scrapbooking. (warm fuzzies flood my scrapbook supplies just thinking about it). In the midst of this traffic, cars are getting parked all crazy. If you click on the shot photo above you will see it bigger and the understanding will flood your mind.
Anyway, the kids had a great day, all loved their teachers, classes and enjoyed finding out what they are going to be doing. I feel very blessed to have kids that enjoy school as much as I did. Happy First Day of School!

Fresh start...and a new "friend"!

2007-08-23T20:39:00.000-04:00

Here is my , "Your mom is mean and I don't like her-tell her she is a b****" update! I have "friends in low places" and one of my best friends husband is a coach in our district. This little guy likes basketball.. and he was made to run the ENTIRE practice and answer "yes sir" and "no sir" to everything my coach buddy said (he expects this anyway-but this little guy was made to do it throughout the little discussion they were having and I know that was probably hard on him)and then was put under threat about what he did...I love it! So- today he comes in with a better attitude...he taps his pencil on his desk in homeroom-I look up at him and let him know with *the look* that it better stop. He stops. And then he comes up and ask me for help with his homework....I help. I act like nothing happened. Then I tell him that I will forgive and forget what already happened -basically gave him *you be nice to me and I will be nice to you* spill and then said "deal?" He said "deal." All is well and forgiven. He has a new start and you know what....I think we are going to get along just fine. ;)

Don't shoot the messenger! What did you call me?

2007-08-21T18:26:00.000-04:00

Good ole MSers! I am not ONLY going to blog about my truly inspiring teaching stories. But I can't let this one go...and then it will be back to more deep and philosophical entries.
Here is a little about my day today...curriculum going well...the students are getting used to my demanding manner in the homework and work in general part. They are reading and writing CONSTANTLY and for that I am proud.
But then there is HOMEROOM! Homeroom is the last 26 minutes of the day. It is excruciating! This is suppose to be utilized by the students as a resource. They have a nice and quiet place to sit, sum up their day, and do homework with a teacher available to help them. I have 7th grade for homeroom...I do not like them. The unfortunate part is my daughter is also in 7th grade. Some of her friends are in my homeroom and they tell her that I am cool and they love me and all of that sweet stuff that teachers LOVE to hear....and yes we thrive on it. But then there is this one boy...who has a last name that I recognize all too well. I am not holding a grudge but I went to school with this boy's father and uncle..and let's just say-they are an INTERESTING group of people. This boy has learned the hard way that I will not take his um..stuff...and to not disrespect me...at least to my face. After homeroom today he tells my daughter that her mom is a b****. (I interrupt this writing to let you know that I have given this kid chances and I have not held his last name against him in ANY way). Now, I am not offended. A part of me laughs inside but then I think...my own children should not be getting these lovely messages to send to me. I am sure this won't be the last one. My daughter is not telling me this because she WANTS to, she feels she HAS to and to her credit..she handled it well.
How am I going to handle this one? I am simply going to let the sweet little boy know I got his cowardly message and if he ever feels the need to call me a b**** again to my daughters or anyone else....I will personally guarantee him 3 days of ASD. And that is the LEAST I can do about that! :) Stay tuned for tomorrow...where I am sure I will now graduate to ANOTHER name in the book...but my daughter better not hear about it! :)

On board with curriculum...and dumb words....

2007-08-20T20:51:00.000-04:00

I have officially completed my first day of teaching MS curriculum! :) All went well. Due to some of my students taking band, I now have THIRTY students in my 6th hour Language Arts and that leaves only SEVEN students for last period. I have decided I can suffer through the thirty and get my reprieve during last hour. I am relating to the MSer's well. They seem to like me with the exception of the homework. I am a little tough about some things but I always try to have a sense of humor about it. For instance today one of my favorite students (and I am not being sarcastic) was working on her vocabulary sheet (which really was quite challenging) stated, "Where did these dumb words come from?"! She didn't mean to be funny or even have a attitude like one would assume. She is exceptionally smart and couldn't believe how tough this work was...I cracked up and proclaimed to the class that they might as well get used to DUMB words. It was my job to teach them words they DO NOT know-not teach them words they already know. This is just something you would have had to been there for...but since this student often emails me -I have already emailed her and asked her if she managed to get her DUMB words done. The words....BEWILDERED, PANG, MORTIFIED, ANTICIPATION...they are not necessarily tough but the sheet was challenging and I want it to be. I give them an evil laugh every time I pass out this hard work-but when they accomplish it-I praise them highly! :) Oh-the joy!

The last few days of summer

2007-08-19T22:12:00.000-04:00

As Jean 2 returns for her first full week of school, my kids and I get to enjoy a few more days of summer. The girls (Bria and Nicki) went to pick up schedules, meet teachers, find classrooms, practice opening the locks on their lockers and seeing friends. Ryan find out his classroom teacher Tuesday and do the "meet the teacher" thing on Wednesday morning, Christi will do the same thing Tuesday night. Everyone is very excited about school, their friends, new things to learn (Bria starts Algebra this year) and the activities. I, along with the kids, love the start of a new year. I always loved school, was so excited for the first day of school, the potential for new friendships, the socializing and fun....I get that same excited feeling for my kids. I am so happy that the kids love school as much as I did. I have so many fond memories of school and know that my kids are making their own memories.

Tomorrow we are shopping for things to pack for lunch and more clothes shopping (girls still have money) and Wednesday I'm taking the girls for their annual back-to-school manicures. Here's to our last few days. :)

A much needed lazy day...

2007-08-18T18:11:00.000-04:00

After a week of preparing my room, getting ready for open house, district meetings, forms upon forms, the first two days of teaching where you go over rule after rule after rule....and repeat process six times...I was really looking forward to a day of sleeping in. I woke up this morning at 7:00! ARRGH! No way was I getting out of bed...so I forced myself to go back to dreamland and therefore I got up about my normal Saturday time...11:00 a.m. That's right-I am still a teenager at heart. Late nights, late mornings-that's my game. After 100 degree weather around here for almost two weeks, we finally got a little bit of rain...and not so bright sun. YAY! I love those days too. The girls and I are on and off the computer, watching TV, and reading books. We are planning family movie night and happy not to be running around while dear hubby is doing his usual accomplishing things all day. Gotta love him.
Stay tuned for MONDAY when my first official day of teaching curriculum begins....I am READY! (I think)

The daily teaching journal begins....

2007-08-16T18:55:00.000-04:00

Jean 2 here. Today was the first day of school. I had a great day but of course completely wiped out. What teacher isn't on the first day? Or heck, any day for that matter? I honestly do not know how I am going to keep up with all the grading and organizing that reading/language arts requires but I DO know that I enjoy this age of kids and for the most part....I think they enjoy me. I plan on keeping track of my year as much as possible throughout this blog.
All of my own children had a good day at school as well...and I managed to not embarrass them too much today since I am officially in the same building as them. But wait until I wear my birkenstocks-which will be tomorrow with my Friday jean day-love those! :)
The girls HATE my birkenstock shoes along with some of my friends....Jean 1 included-which makes them all that more fun to wear! :) Jean3 likes them and I have found a few others...and since the superintendent announced a new raise for everyone two days ago-perhaps a new pair a month to help with my collection. I am having fun with those-so leave me a comment and let me know what YOU think of Birkenstocks. And FYI for those of your that have never tried them-they are WONDERFUL if you are on your feet all day and contrary to what a few others think...adorable as well. hee hee
Here is to ANOTHER great day tomorrow and TGIF. :)

LIFE AS I KNOW IT IN JULY and a small part of August....

2007-08-13T00:22:00.000-04:00

IS OVER!
Last year at this time-I titled my BACK TO SCHOOL post BACK TO THE GRIND. And well...that is what this is....tomorrow is the end of sleeping in, staying up, hanging out in jammies drinking coffee and reading in bed while watching reruns of "The Nanny" and "The Golden Girls". Wondering if I should call a friend for lunch or watch "Day of Our Lives" or *oh I wonder if I have any email*-I will just check. And I can always throw that load of laundry in later...and ironing-nonexistent in July. And I will just dust something while casually talking on the phone-and don't forget to water my flowers of course.
This year is sooooooooooo different for me. I am working in a new to me yet VERY OLD building. I must say I am finally happy with my classroom thanks to my wonderful, fabulous, great looking while he is doing it and very handy dandy husband. He single handedly gutted out a wall, replaced it with brick panneling (to go with my graffiti theme)-put shower board where old chalkboards used to be and simply made my room a better place to be for me and my students. I do not always appreciate him like I should (especially yesterday while not so nicely telling him this should have been done by now although it wasn't his fault)! He is always there for me. Helping me and consoling me. And along with him comes oldest stepdaugther who reminds me of him in that way...she painted all my trim and shelves and then helped me hang up bulletin boards. I love daughter J and stepdaugther B-but they are simply not interested in physical labor -like me but they will be helping me clean-they just may not know it yet. :) This room is now a room I can be proud of. If only I have before and after pics! ARRGH! But-there will be AFTER pics soon-you just won't know how far it has come.
I am not nervous like I thought I would be. I am where I need to be. I have been looking at the curriculum and feeling more comfortable with it( after stressing countless hours) and I plan to have another successful year. :)
I should be in bed now...but I am simply not tired-hmmmmmmmmmm....so I will tell you about my new wardrobe. While going on my usual Sunday outing with Jean1-I hit the big sales at J.C. Penneys-70% off sales and it was friend/family day so an additional 20% off of that. I bought 13 items for $92.00!! And they are so cute! I came home and like an excited school girl went through my closet and pulled out some other clothes that will mix and match with my new things...then I had to iron all those things-ugh-and now I am pleased. And of course I have bought several pair of new shoes for my wardrobe online....I have discovered BIRKENSTOCKS AND TEVAS. I will save that for another blog.
MUST.GO.TO. BED!

Sticker Shock

2007-08-11T20:24:00.001-04:00

DSC01923
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

Growing up, my family was a member of the "Don't visit the dentist unless your permanent tooth was cracked or your pain was so intense that it kept you awake for more than three days" club. So when I married a man who was a part of the "Visit the dentist every six months and glue braces to the over-biters, gap-toothers, crowded mouthed and crooked teethed" I had no idea about the cost of what it took to get my darling's teeth to the state they happen to be. This week, after a consultation where the orthodontist spoke words that I think might have been Hebrew, possibly Greek, he looked at me and said...."Gail will go over all of the details with you (a chagrined look on his face) but I will say that we need to get some of these teeth out of the way before we can put braces on her. " (Gulp) So, as Nicki and I sat there "Gail" began to explain the money side of things with us...not quite the "details" I had thought I was about to receive. Seems that braces are almost as expensive as our first house, without the two car garage...and Nicki's? Well, hers will require something more in the range of a first home that comes with an in ground swimming pool. (gasp!) "Gail" went over the different levels of ortho care, ranging from 1-5, depending on needs....Nicki is a 4. {Hubby's gene's at their best}. As the money shock wears off, just in time to take daughter number one to her consult, I think I may be setting up a "car wash for donations" in the Orthodontists parking lot. Come on by, I'll do the windows and tires!

Let me introduce you

2007-08-08T19:37:00.001-04:00

stewart_family_tape
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

This post is about a friend of mine of many years and a newer "blog-acquaintance", his wife. Kevin and Candace are in the midst of "enlarging their tent" (Is. 54:2 ""Enlarge the place of your tent; Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not"). They, along with their five children are in the midst of adoption processes for bringing home three children from Liberia. This is a section of their blog that I am going to link you to later in this post.

"We are the Stewart family and we are in the process of bringing our three adopted children home from Liberia (West Africa). Fannie (age 6), Charles (age 5), and Giftee (age 4) are siblings whose father was killed in the summer of 2003, at the very end of the 14-year civil war which destroyed much of Liberia. Their mother continued to care for them the best she could, but because of extreme poverty and deteriorating health, she severed her parental rights and left them in the care of a Liberian orphanage in December 2006. Our hearts’ desire has been to keep these three little ones together and to provide them with a loving home and family. We received our referral for their adoption in January and their adoption was finalized in May. Their passports were received in July and now we just wait for clearance to travel from the US Embassy in Liberia. We hope to have them home by the end of August or early September.

I have been following and praying for this family for the process once I reconnected with Kevin earlier this year. They have been through the process of raising funds, jumping through the hoops of adoption requirements and are legally the parents of Fannie, Charles and Giftee...just waiting now for clearance to travel and they can bring them home to meet their five brothers and sisters.

I am someone who believes very strongly about the power of prayer and the spirit of agreement, so I am calling upon each of you who happen by to intercede for this family, for the three children who are waiting to come home and five children stateside who are waiting to finally meet their new siblings. I ask you to pray for the authorities in charge to submit to The Authority in charge, giving the "go ahead" to travel and bring them home. I ask you to visit the site here (http://stewartfamily.onedollaradoption.com/) that gives you an opportunity to donate one dollar toward their journey.

http://bringingthemhome.net

CHEER MOM...TIRED MOM...PROUD MOM

2007-08-06T21:51:00.000-04:00

You guess it. Another brag blog from Jean 2. My daughter J performed in her first cheerleading exhibition on Saturday at a local HS holding 3,000 people. I learned a lot that day. I helped with hair, make up, checked for nail polish and body jewelery which were not allowed-the rules were great but stressful. If their hair touched their shoulders-points would be deducted-guess whose daughter has the longest hair? You got it. MINE! We hair sprayed her hair so much she had to shampoo it twice. Long story short....her squad did fabulous and since she is captain-she was in the center and middle and lead them out. I was frantic for her-my heart was pounding with fear and pride that only a mother knows. For all I know-my heart might have stopped some as well. LOL
They received honorable mention during the competition and beat out some big local schools. I was shocked, pleased and proud. They worked so hard last week practicing-so many hours a day they had to take their lunch and as a mom I was beginning to think it was JUST TOO MUCH. But it paid off for them on Saturday when they received their well deserved award.
Our HS received first place in their division. I am proud of my daughter, her squad, our school and their coach. They all deserve some praise!! GO BIG BLACK! :)
If only I had a picture...soon ....soon! :)

piggy-tails and sleeping bags optional

2007-07-28T21:28:00.001-04:00

We, the three Jeans, had a girls night Thursday night that became an all-nighter. We talked, laughed, poked fun, ate, talked and so on. We snacked on fruit and cheeses and bread for a few hours. We then moved on to Chinese snacks and iced tea sometime around 10pm. We later had a midnight snack of coffee, ice cream and frozen frappucinos. Sometime around 3 or 4 am we had pizzas and more iced tea. Near 5 am we decided to talk while resting on our pillows. At 5:55 am Jean 2 fell asleep. At 5:59 am Jean 3 fell asleep. At 6 am I, Jean 1, got up with my pillow and went to the couch to watch TV and read other blogs. At 7:45 am Jean 3 and Jean 2 woke up to visit for a few minutes until I left to arrive home to welcome a friends children for the day. I managed to remain awake until 9pm where I ceremoniously fell asleep. I remained inert for 14 hours. But it was so worth the exhaustion and migraine I fought off today. It was a fun night, a wonderful experience and a much needed flash back to our youth of slumber parties. Thanks Jeans for a fun time!

Hillbilly swimming pool

2007-07-27T12:51:00.001-04:00

sprinkler fun 2
Originally uploaded by Jean 1

When I was a kid (waaaaayyy back in the 80's), only the very privileged had swimming pools, the rest of us cooled off via the hose. We would take turns either squirting the other people with the hose making it spray out by placing your thumb just so or you would hook up the hose to a sprinkler if you were fortunate enough to have one that your dad would let you use. This is what my dad would call the hillbilly swimming pool.

This week, we introduced our youngest two children to this wonderful past time. They thought we were the smartest, most creative and best parents EVER! I kid you not. They would run through the sprinkler, run over to us and say "Thank you for letting us get all wet in the yard." And run off to run under the spray of liquid heaven. Small things, huge impact.