Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Home
Kids in the woodpile playing with cats and some great skyscapes. Just a couple of things we love about home....
Dave rides
This is my brother Dave riding. He hadn't been on a horse since he was a young boy. I think he kind of liked it. Blaze wasn't real cooperative and was more interested in the tractors across the road and getting to a tree to eat leaves. Blaze knows better when Greg or I are on him, but with Dave he managed to sneak in a bite of the bush....
Someone got a hold of my camera....
Dave asked why my picture is rarely on the blog. Two reasons: 1--I don't LIKE to have my picture taken 2--I am usually behind the camera (just the way I like it!) Dave got a hold of my camera and said that if this picture made the blog he wanted credit. So here it is. Me on the horse. DAVE took the picture. Now only if he had a more photogenic subject to work with.....
Mackenzie
Colby got to spend the afternoon with Mackenzie on Sunday. She LOVES to hang out with Kenzie. When they brought Colby home Sunday evening, it was a beautiful night so we all took a ride on Blaze. We enjoy sharing him with family and friends. It is as much fun for me to see others enjoy riding than it is to ride myself.
My swimmers.....
just a couple shots of the kids swimming last weekend. not a lot of opportunity left this year for pool pics....
Monday, August 27, 2007
Disconnected....
I have not had computer access at home since last Thursday. I think my modem is shot. So, if you have sent emails and haven't gotten a response or wondered why I seemingly disowned my blog, thats why. It drove me crazy this weekend. A million times I needed to look up something or check something and I couldn't. Amazing how tough it is to live without a computer for a few days. Not sure when I will be up and running again...hopefully soon.
Friday, August 24, 2007
I almost forgot.....11 years ago today....
That was then.....
This is now....after 11 years of wedded bliss (or something kinda like it :)
This is now....after 11 years of wedded bliss (or something kinda like it :)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
A Mother’s Letter to the World…..
My friend Pat brought this to me at work today after hearing my co-workers and I telling stories of sending our kids off to school. She also brought me this same letter about 4 years ago when I sent my first to kindergarten.
Dear World:
My son starts school today. It’s going to be strange and new to him for a while. And I wish you would sort of treat him gently.
You see, up to now, he’s been king of the roost. He’s been boss of the back yard. I have always been around to repair his wounds, and to soothe his feelings.
But now-things are going to be different. This morning he’s going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start on his great adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow. To live his life in the world he has to live in will require faith and love and courage.
So, World, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him-but gently if you can. Teach him that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every crooked politician there is a dedicated leader; that for every enemy there is a friend. Teach him the wonders of books.
Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on the green hill. Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.
Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone else tells him they are wrong. Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidder, but never to put a price on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob…and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.
Teach him gently, World, but don’t coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
This is a big order, World, but see what you can do. He’s such a nice little fellow.
Author Unknown
Dear World:
My son starts school today. It’s going to be strange and new to him for a while. And I wish you would sort of treat him gently.
You see, up to now, he’s been king of the roost. He’s been boss of the back yard. I have always been around to repair his wounds, and to soothe his feelings.
But now-things are going to be different. This morning he’s going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start on his great adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow. To live his life in the world he has to live in will require faith and love and courage.
So, World, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him-but gently if you can. Teach him that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every crooked politician there is a dedicated leader; that for every enemy there is a friend. Teach him the wonders of books.
Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on the green hill. Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.
Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone else tells him they are wrong. Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidder, but never to put a price on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob…and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.
Teach him gently, World, but don’t coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
This is a big order, World, but see what you can do. He’s such a nice little fellow.
Author Unknown
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
A couple more first day pics....
Colby thought it was absolutely crazy that I took a picture of her
eating breakfast....oh well...that's what moms are for...
First Day of Third Grade
The troops off to the bus stop
Ready for the big day.....
Bag and shoes ready to go....Colby has been begging me to buy her these "Etnies" for a LONG time. I told her that was something that she could save her money and work towards. So she saved all summer and Monday night I took her to buy them with her own money. And she got them on sale so she was extra happy to have money left over :)
Paint, paint, paint
Greg and Colby thought it would be in their best interest to document me WORKING last weekend. They seem to think it is a rarity, but I think they would be suprised what all would go un-done if I didn't do it. Maybe I'll go on 'mom strike' someday and THEN see if they appreciate me a little more ;)
Yes, I painted my porch barn red with white trim. It's still not done, but getting close. Greg's dad has been working hard to get the walls up. Once that is done, I will finish painting the walls and I am painting the floor a very nice slate gray. Everyone that stopped by last weekend loved it. Except my brother, Jay. He said it looked like Happy Joes.....
Yes, I painted my porch barn red with white trim. It's still not done, but getting close. Greg's dad has been working hard to get the walls up. Once that is done, I will finish painting the walls and I am painting the floor a very nice slate gray. Everyone that stopped by last weekend loved it. Except my brother, Jay. He said it looked like Happy Joes.....
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Just busy
We are too busy to stop and think these days. Hence, no posts of any substance. We got a lot going on that I will share in the upcoming days, but for now, know that we have a lot on our minds.
Greg is enjoying his new job so much and I think he has such a great appreciation for his new position based on the conditions he came from in his previous job. He is still doing some training, but has started his 12 hour days this week. He worked 6am-6pm last night and was still home before the kids and I so that is great. Dinner together is something new for us!
I have made a list of home projects that need done and I am making every effort to tackle them ALL this fall. Too many things have been left undone for too long. Now is the time to get going. I am still working at least 40 hours during the week and trying to pack in as much on the weekends as possible--that makes for one tired girl! But, I love to see progress and I feel good about all that is on the horizon.
Colby starts school tomorrow and is ready to be a third grader! Back to school night is tonight and she is anxious to find out who her teacher is. Then tomorrow it is back to the old grind. Our morning routine will become a little stricter again--no more showing up at daycare still in pajamas :) Colby typically has taken her showers before bed, but this year she insists that she needs to take her shower in the morning. Which means that I will have to be in the shower by 5:30am every morning so that she can get in there after me. We definately are in need of that second shower that should be working again shortly, hopefully! (it's one of those things on 'the list' :)
Creighton is starting his second year of preschool, but not until after Labor Day. He is still 4 so he isn't kindergarten age yet. Although he thinks he is. Unfortunately, he is not so excited to go back to school. He says his school is "for babies" and that he wants to go to Colby's school. So, we could have a battle on our hands or he could just go with the flow, which is pretty typical for Creighton.
Other than that, not much to report. We are still enjoying the days and evenings outside. Still getting plenty of riding time on the horse and swimming time in the pool. The kids had the four-wheeler out a lot this past weekend which is something that we didn't see much of this summer. I think it was too hot for them to want to put the helmet on so they just found other stuff to do.
It's been a good couple of months, but I think my body's clock is saying, enough of summer, bring on the fall! Sounds good to me!
Greg is enjoying his new job so much and I think he has such a great appreciation for his new position based on the conditions he came from in his previous job. He is still doing some training, but has started his 12 hour days this week. He worked 6am-6pm last night and was still home before the kids and I so that is great. Dinner together is something new for us!
I have made a list of home projects that need done and I am making every effort to tackle them ALL this fall. Too many things have been left undone for too long. Now is the time to get going. I am still working at least 40 hours during the week and trying to pack in as much on the weekends as possible--that makes for one tired girl! But, I love to see progress and I feel good about all that is on the horizon.
Colby starts school tomorrow and is ready to be a third grader! Back to school night is tonight and she is anxious to find out who her teacher is. Then tomorrow it is back to the old grind. Our morning routine will become a little stricter again--no more showing up at daycare still in pajamas :) Colby typically has taken her showers before bed, but this year she insists that she needs to take her shower in the morning. Which means that I will have to be in the shower by 5:30am every morning so that she can get in there after me. We definately are in need of that second shower that should be working again shortly, hopefully! (it's one of those things on 'the list' :)
Creighton is starting his second year of preschool, but not until after Labor Day. He is still 4 so he isn't kindergarten age yet. Although he thinks he is. Unfortunately, he is not so excited to go back to school. He says his school is "for babies" and that he wants to go to Colby's school. So, we could have a battle on our hands or he could just go with the flow, which is pretty typical for Creighton.
Other than that, not much to report. We are still enjoying the days and evenings outside. Still getting plenty of riding time on the horse and swimming time in the pool. The kids had the four-wheeler out a lot this past weekend which is something that we didn't see much of this summer. I think it was too hot for them to want to put the helmet on so they just found other stuff to do.
It's been a good couple of months, but I think my body's clock is saying, enough of summer, bring on the fall! Sounds good to me!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Check
paint doorway - check
paint porch - 2 coats - check
clean basement - check (wasn't on the original list, but I had to go down there for something and ended up staying down for 8 hours cleaning--definately an extreme basement makeover!)
so we'll see what else today will bring. greg and the kids are at the store getting stuff to make edible play-doh and Maddison is on her way to spend the afternoon here. not sure we'll get any more 'checks' but that is ok. I feel good about what has been done so far this weekend.
paint porch - 2 coats - check
clean basement - check (wasn't on the original list, but I had to go down there for something and ended up staying down for 8 hours cleaning--definately an extreme basement makeover!)
so we'll see what else today will bring. greg and the kids are at the store getting stuff to make edible play-doh and Maddison is on her way to spend the afternoon here. not sure we'll get any more 'checks' but that is ok. I feel good about what has been done so far this weekend.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Well....
My kids can not possibly be in a room together without some sort of squabble starting. Even when they are playing together it usually ends up in a fight. It's constant and it's driving me crazy. In the car...they fight. In the pool...they fight. In the toyroom...they fight. Wherever, whenever. It gets frustrating.
Today Colby was supposed to be cleaning the toyroom. She walked into the living room for whatever reason, Creighton apparently kicked her as she walked by, and of course she yells, "MOOOOMMMM, Creighton kicked me!" I ignore it, I didn't see it and frankly I'm tired of dealing with them when they are pestering eachother. So at this point I hear her say, "I'm gonna kick him back". When of course, I come up with the old stand-by, "Two wrongs don't make a right". Colby comes back with "Yeah, it makes it equal".
Ok then. Never thought of it that way. Leave it to Colby....
Today Colby was supposed to be cleaning the toyroom. She walked into the living room for whatever reason, Creighton apparently kicked her as she walked by, and of course she yells, "MOOOOMMMM, Creighton kicked me!" I ignore it, I didn't see it and frankly I'm tired of dealing with them when they are pestering eachother. So at this point I hear her say, "I'm gonna kick him back". When of course, I come up with the old stand-by, "Two wrongs don't make a right". Colby comes back with "Yeah, it makes it equal".
Ok then. Never thought of it that way. Leave it to Colby....
Friday, August 17, 2007
The need for color...
I've got a lot of projects in the line-up, most of which include painting. This is the to-do list for the upcoming days:
paint door frame between living rooms
paint porch walls
paint trim in bathroom
sand and paint bathroom cabinets
clean out spare room
paint spare room and make it look like a bedroom rather than a junk storage area
replace light fixtures in hallway
pick out new back door
new blinds in my bedroom
Time for some sprucing up to get done around our place. Hopefully, my energy runs high this weekend (and the kids do not :)
This has to be accomplished in addition to all of the regular weekend chores. I plan on getting little sleep and a lot done!
(I figure if I actually make a list and write it down I will be more accountable and motivated...we'll see)
paint door frame between living rooms
paint porch walls
paint trim in bathroom
sand and paint bathroom cabinets
clean out spare room
paint spare room and make it look like a bedroom rather than a junk storage area
replace light fixtures in hallway
pick out new back door
new blinds in my bedroom
Time for some sprucing up to get done around our place. Hopefully, my energy runs high this weekend (and the kids do not :)
This has to be accomplished in addition to all of the regular weekend chores. I plan on getting little sleep and a lot done!
(I figure if I actually make a list and write it down I will be more accountable and motivated...we'll see)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Prayer for today......
Stumbled across this today--probably not by coincidence.....
Change my eyes.
Show me that the obstacles are not mountains to climb alone, but an opportunity to be carried by You.
Change my eyes.
Show me that the obstacles are not mountains to climb alone, but an opportunity to be carried by You.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Colby's Photos
Maddison came out last night to ride Blaze and swim. Colby took the pictures of her riding the horse. They are interesting :) Not sure what happened with the last one :)
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
Pat
What can I say about Pat? Where do I start? She has a heart of gold. She has a true love for people. Not just some people, but ALL people. She has a resounding laugh that makes me smile even when I can only faintly hear it through the thick walls of City Hall. She always has a smile for everyone she meets and works hard to find positives in every situation. Her talents and gifts are many. Not a child passes by without Pat engaging with them. She takes time to connect with people, friends and strangers alike, and does not judge. Pat could outride me on a bicycle any day and she has ridden across the state many, many times. She has the energy of a teenager and the heart of a grandmother. When God called my grandmother home 10 years ago, He gave me Pat. I miss her when she winters down south and count the days until she gets back. She loves to hear stories of my children's antics and I love to hear to her stories of raising her kids too. Whatever is happening in my life, Pat has been there and done that. When I confide in Pat, which I often do, she listens, then thinks, and tells me, "just pray about it, just pray". That's why I love her....
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