Some fun things have been happening that I've neglected to write about. President's Day weekend, we traveled to Columbus to visit the Lego Store. When we were there in October for Catherine's birthday, we discovered it was there and instantly we all knew what Thomas was getting for his birthday! He had lots of time save his money and had quite a bit to spend. While it took him much longer to choose than it did Catherine at the American Girl doll store, I was still very pleased that he still had plenty leftover when he left. I had so much fun watching him make his choices. The downside is that it's a 2-1/2 hour drive to get there, and it was a yucky day (so what else is new this winter) but it was worth it to see his face. Catherine also spent some of her money and it definitely gave them something to do on President's Day.
My mom also came down for lunch that day. It was the first time she had actually been to the house to visit since we moved in. It was so nice to have her here, although because of a doctor's appointment she couldn't stay long. She also came down again last weekend and brought my grandmothers and aunt along to watch the kids play basketball.
Thomas has begun after school spanish and art lessons, and we are hoping to get Robert started again on trumpet lessons. In just over a week, track practice will also begin for him. It will be interesting because this has not by any means been a winter where he could get out and work out much. It will be interesting to see what kind of shape he is in. Catherine is disappointed that sixth graders are not allowed to participate, but she has scouts and yearbook to keep her busy right now.
This will be another busy weekend of scouts, basketball, and of course more snow! The last forecast I heard was for 3-6" of snow Sunday night into Monday morning, but there is some serious concern about icing in our area. This ought to be interesting...just like the rest of the winter has been!
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Four years ago
Four years ago today, our dear friends lost their six-month-old son. I am amazed by how quickly time passes. They have had two more children, a little boy who was born about 9-1/2 months later, and a daughter who is ten-months-old. This family is so special to me. Shortly after my dad passed away, I learned that Dad had sent an email to Mark (the baby's father) less than a half hour before he died. Mark was the last person Dad communicated with...and it was a work email. We always knew that Dad would work right up until the end!
While in some ways it's harder this year because Dad and his best-friend (baby's grandfather) have passed away, there is also some comfort in knowing that they are together again.
While in some ways it's harder this year because Dad and his best-friend (baby's grandfather) have passed away, there is also some comfort in knowing that they are together again.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
The crack of the bat
In just over five minutes, the Cincinnati Reds will be playing their first spring game. It's on the radio, and I will definitely be tuning in. I don't know that I've ever been so excited about listening to a game that has absolutely no meaning at all, but trust me when I tell you I am thrilled! Hearing Marty's voice on the radio is one of the biggest comforts I've had in a long time.
Part of it is my dad. He loved baseball, and loved the fact that my sister and I love it more than he did. I have so many memories from being a kid when Dad would be outside working and there would be a ball game on the radio. My mom vowed to never follow baseball again after the 1994 strike, but Dad still watched the games and we'd chat about it when we could.
It's also comforting in the fact that it means spring will arrive someday...although clearly it isn't this week. After a dusting of snow yesterday morning, we are back to single digit temps and below zero windchills at night with daytime temps only in the teens. This weekend a major storm is due to hit Saturday/Sunday/Monday (I'm unclear of the exact time-frame) that is going to be some mix of a major snow event/ice/mix/rain. As you can tell, a lot is unknown at this time, but the Noon news did not leave much to be optimistic about.
So for now, I shall enjoy listening to spring, even if it is happening 3000 miles away!
Part of it is my dad. He loved baseball, and loved the fact that my sister and I love it more than he did. I have so many memories from being a kid when Dad would be outside working and there would be a ball game on the radio. My mom vowed to never follow baseball again after the 1994 strike, but Dad still watched the games and we'd chat about it when we could.
It's also comforting in the fact that it means spring will arrive someday...although clearly it isn't this week. After a dusting of snow yesterday morning, we are back to single digit temps and below zero windchills at night with daytime temps only in the teens. This weekend a major storm is due to hit Saturday/Sunday/Monday (I'm unclear of the exact time-frame) that is going to be some mix of a major snow event/ice/mix/rain. As you can tell, a lot is unknown at this time, but the Noon news did not leave much to be optimistic about.
So for now, I shall enjoy listening to spring, even if it is happening 3000 miles away!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Another weather post
I am sorry, but I just couldn't let this go! I have to write about what has continued to be our really bizarre winter.
Last November, the weekend immediately following my dad's death, we had tornadoes in our region. In fact, the town just five miles south of my hometown had a tornado go through that Sunday evening and destroy a drive-thru and seriously damage a restaurant and about six homes. While November tornadoes are rare, it was not the first time I remembered having that kind of weather that late in the fall.
Last evening though, was definitely a first for me. The temps here actually reached the upper 50's, and in some places lower 60's. It was a nice change of pace. We also knew though, that there was a cold front coming through in the evening and it was going to bring strong to severe storms. We watched the line literally race across the states to our west, and about 6:45 I learned a tornado watch was issued for our county. I can definitely say that was a first...a tornado watch in FEBRUARY!!!! As the evening progressed, tornado warnings began to be issued to our west, and then about 10:45 a warning was issued for my hometown. I was watching the news, and the meteorologist just kept mentioning my hometown in the path of the storm.
Fortunately, I spoke to my mother this morning and all of the family seems to be okay. She indicated that she wasn't aware of any damage in town. I did learn this evening though, that a tornado was confirmed about 25 miles away from the town. Never would've guessed something like this would've happened in February. Makes me a little nervous about what kind of spring we are going to have...just seems to be our weather luck these days!
Last November, the weekend immediately following my dad's death, we had tornadoes in our region. In fact, the town just five miles south of my hometown had a tornado go through that Sunday evening and destroy a drive-thru and seriously damage a restaurant and about six homes. While November tornadoes are rare, it was not the first time I remembered having that kind of weather that late in the fall.
Last evening though, was definitely a first for me. The temps here actually reached the upper 50's, and in some places lower 60's. It was a nice change of pace. We also knew though, that there was a cold front coming through in the evening and it was going to bring strong to severe storms. We watched the line literally race across the states to our west, and about 6:45 I learned a tornado watch was issued for our county. I can definitely say that was a first...a tornado watch in FEBRUARY!!!! As the evening progressed, tornado warnings began to be issued to our west, and then about 10:45 a warning was issued for my hometown. I was watching the news, and the meteorologist just kept mentioning my hometown in the path of the storm.
Fortunately, I spoke to my mother this morning and all of the family seems to be okay. She indicated that she wasn't aware of any damage in town. I did learn this evening though, that a tornado was confirmed about 25 miles away from the town. Never would've guessed something like this would've happened in February. Makes me a little nervous about what kind of spring we are going to have...just seems to be our weather luck these days!
She's home!
I picked Catherine up from school at 2:00 this afternoon. I was so very happy to see her! It sounds as though she had an absolutely wonderful time. She unfortunately developed Thomas's cold while she was away and she's probably going to sleep well tonight, but oh, it is so, so good to have her home again!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Parenting
The last 24 hours have been among the toughest I have ever experienced as a parent. I will not go into details to protect the privacy of my children, but I am hurting deeply today...an experience that I know they can not understand until they themselves are parents someday. I have been praying tremendously hard in the last 24 hours that God helps me to be the parent my children need. Each one of them needs me in different ways, and I pray for guidance in that regard. I also pray for strength to make it through these tough years...strength for us all.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Warm up
Today is in the 40's! Isn't is absolutely sad that the weather is about the only thing I can write about these days? Not proud of it folks, but this blog is about real life, and the weather has been real something-not-so-nice-to-say. We'll just say real.
I think it is supposed to be above freezing all week. I might actually not mind leaving the house...dare to dream!
One would think all of this weather would make me really want to be thinking about our vacation this year. Not so much. First of all, there is that ugly "budget" that makes the thought of a fabulous vacation seem not so fabulous. And then there is the thought of all of that time spent in the car. It is a thirteen hour drive to the ocean. Trust me when I tell you this is true and there is no way around it in our family. The thought of that much time in the car is completely overwhelming to me...not to mention the thought of packing everyone for a week at the ocean. Right now I'm thinking about four nights in the next state over sounds more my speed.
I think it is supposed to be above freezing all week. I might actually not mind leaving the house...dare to dream!
One would think all of this weather would make me really want to be thinking about our vacation this year. Not so much. First of all, there is that ugly "budget" that makes the thought of a fabulous vacation seem not so fabulous. And then there is the thought of all of that time spent in the car. It is a thirteen hour drive to the ocean. Trust me when I tell you this is true and there is no way around it in our family. The thought of that much time in the car is completely overwhelming to me...not to mention the thought of packing everyone for a week at the ocean. Right now I'm thinking about four nights in the next state over sounds more my speed.
She's off!
About an hour ago, I dropped Catherine off at school. She leaves today for three days at a nature camp. Every sixth grader has the opportunity to attend and they spread it out over three weeks. She is so excited, and I am so excited for her, but three days feels an awfully long time for my girl to be gone! Thomas didn't want to miss out on his opportunity to say good-bye so he was up extra early and after dropping her off a trip through the McDonald's drive-thru for breakfast was necessary. I am sure she will have a blast, but at the same time, a little part of me is counting down the hours until she is back home!
Friday, February 14, 2014
Really missed the mark
Today is the first day of our four day weekend. To be totally honest, we've had so many snow days and time together that I'm not really feeling the need for a four day weekend, but whatever. I had watched the weather yesterday and the forecast mentioned there was a chance of "an inconvenient" amount of snow this evening, but we should only get about an inch...maybe two tops. Wow, did that forecast miss the mark!
About 11:30 this morning I received a text that we were under a winter storm warning. I thought that seemed odd for so little snow, but again, whatever. Around 1:30 this afternoon it started snowing...and it hasn't stopped since. It hasn't been flurrying either...there have been times it has really come down. Roads are an absolute mess and it's just flat out ugly out there. Just saw an updated forecast and we are now expected to received three to five inches of snow. Quite a difference from 24 hours ago!
About 11:30 this morning I received a text that we were under a winter storm warning. I thought that seemed odd for so little snow, but again, whatever. Around 1:30 this afternoon it started snowing...and it hasn't stopped since. It hasn't been flurrying either...there have been times it has really come down. Roads are an absolute mess and it's just flat out ugly out there. Just saw an updated forecast and we are now expected to received three to five inches of snow. Quite a difference from 24 hours ago!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
The Budget
"The Budget"...two words that can send some people into absolute panic. Being an accountant in my former life, we have more spreadsheets than many small companies...it's just what I do.
I have been loving being off this school year. I am finding that I am so much more relaxed and enjoy time spent with my family so much more. And yet at the same time, I feel completely selfish and guilty. Even though I am by no means sitting around eating bon-bons and taking daily naps, I feel selfish and guilty that I am not contributing to our family income in any way, and that I am not contributing to society at all.
Some would argue with that last statement. After all, I am parenting my children, who all seem to (currently) be on track to be productive members of society so that's a good thing. But we can't argue with the income part. By no means are we going broke...far from it. Our needs are easily met by Andrew's income, and even a few "wants" are covered...but only a few. I don't mind cutting things out, but we are not a family that lives with a lot of extras to begin with, and I don't want my kids to miss out on things. For example, I know of families who won't send their kids on school trips or allow them to participate in marching bands and sports because of the cost. There is absolutely no reason my children can't do these things, but wow, are they pricey!
I also want to be able to take trips and make memories with the kids. I know that life isn't all about money, but it does help at times to make things easier. I know that it isn't just me who enjoys the fact that I am home. The kids are enjoying it as well. I am sure I am a little more fun, and they don't have to worry as much about after school activities because I am pretty much always available. My husband enjoys the fact that because our house is picked up (and less cluttererd) and I am calmer, he feels calmer. I recognize there are benefits.
The Budget though...it has something to say about all of this as well. Simply put, while we might be able to really stretch things and keep me at home for another year or so, I am not willing to risk that. I prefer to see my savings increase each month, and I also know that there are many things we want to do to our new home. Subbing has been an absolutely perfect solution for the past three years, but my feelings about it are changing. I can honestly feel dread about the thought of going back to that, and there are several reasons (and of course, they all feel completely selfish to me). I would love, absolutely love to be able to find either a job that allows me to somehow work from home, or a job that would allow me to work only about two days a week (and still be able to get Thomas on the bus at 8:30 each morning). I realize that the chances of finding an absolutely perfect scenario are pretty darn slim, but I've been doing a lot of praying lately that I am led to make the right choice for our family!
I have been loving being off this school year. I am finding that I am so much more relaxed and enjoy time spent with my family so much more. And yet at the same time, I feel completely selfish and guilty. Even though I am by no means sitting around eating bon-bons and taking daily naps, I feel selfish and guilty that I am not contributing to our family income in any way, and that I am not contributing to society at all.
Some would argue with that last statement. After all, I am parenting my children, who all seem to (currently) be on track to be productive members of society so that's a good thing. But we can't argue with the income part. By no means are we going broke...far from it. Our needs are easily met by Andrew's income, and even a few "wants" are covered...but only a few. I don't mind cutting things out, but we are not a family that lives with a lot of extras to begin with, and I don't want my kids to miss out on things. For example, I know of families who won't send their kids on school trips or allow them to participate in marching bands and sports because of the cost. There is absolutely no reason my children can't do these things, but wow, are they pricey!
I also want to be able to take trips and make memories with the kids. I know that life isn't all about money, but it does help at times to make things easier. I know that it isn't just me who enjoys the fact that I am home. The kids are enjoying it as well. I am sure I am a little more fun, and they don't have to worry as much about after school activities because I am pretty much always available. My husband enjoys the fact that because our house is picked up (and less cluttererd) and I am calmer, he feels calmer. I recognize there are benefits.
The Budget though...it has something to say about all of this as well. Simply put, while we might be able to really stretch things and keep me at home for another year or so, I am not willing to risk that. I prefer to see my savings increase each month, and I also know that there are many things we want to do to our new home. Subbing has been an absolutely perfect solution for the past three years, but my feelings about it are changing. I can honestly feel dread about the thought of going back to that, and there are several reasons (and of course, they all feel completely selfish to me). I would love, absolutely love to be able to find either a job that allows me to somehow work from home, or a job that would allow me to work only about two days a week (and still be able to get Thomas on the bus at 8:30 each morning). I realize that the chances of finding an absolutely perfect scenario are pretty darn slim, but I've been doing a lot of praying lately that I am led to make the right choice for our family!
Home with a sick little guy
As with any parent, I absolutely hate and detest when my kids are sick. There are few things in life that make me feel more helpless, and I can't even imagine if it was something more serious than the little cold Thomas has. He is a kid that when he gets something respiratory, it often goes downhill quickly. Tuesday evening I noticed the first indications of cough, and yesterday the sniffles began as well. He went about his day and did okay, but I knew he could awaken today being miserable. Sure enough, he looks like a truck hit him. The good news is that there is no fever, and the cough medicine is working enough to let him sleep. It's also not the worst cough I've ever heard from him, so I'll take it. Hopefully he'll be better tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
#1000
This marks my 1000th post. Small beans compared to some, but still an awful lot of memories posted here. I am not a blogger who has lots and lots of readers or who has "made friends" with others on the internet through blogging. That's okay, because what I do have are over five years of memories, and that is why I really post here.
I heard some birds chirping a little bit ago. Makes one think that spring might actually arrive someday. Seems hard to fathom when it's currently -2 with a windchill of -14!
I heard some birds chirping a little bit ago. Makes one think that spring might actually arrive someday. Seems hard to fathom when it's currently -2 with a windchill of -14!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Sending sympathies
We just received word that the father of my brother-in-law's girlfriend passed away today. He had been fighting cancer that was discovered last fall, and things went downhill around Thanksgiving. Brea has been absolutely wonderful in taking care of my brother-in-law through everything and my heart breaks for her...after all, I have an idea of how she's feeling.
Something new
I have decided to try something new, and I've started a new blog. Nothing is going to change here at this blog...still stories about our lives happening here! However, at www.todaysreasontobegrateful.blogspot.com, I am making an attempt to make a posting every day of something that day that made me grateful. It's really just for me...using "gratitude to improve my attitude," but feel free to follow along if you so desire!
Monday, February 10, 2014
A weekend without much sleep
There was NO sleeping in happening in this house this weekend. Overall, I can't really complain about that...we had lots of fun!
Our Friday was a special treat with Catherine's basketball practice being canceled. We made wings, pizzas, and cheese sticks for dinner and watched the Opening Ceremonies. Saturday Robert and I were on the road very early for a trip back to our former town. Three Saturdays this winter/spring Robert gets to go with his troop to a local university for "merit badge college". It's an incredibly easy (and fairly cheap!) way to knock out some merit badges. He is using the opportunity to earn some eagle-required badges and we are so proud of how seriously he is working towards his eagle. Of course there are steps to be earned in between, but he is really working hard.
I was back from there in time for a quick nap (at 9AM, ha ha!) and had a little bit of time before Andrew took Thomas to his basketball pictures and game. Catherine and I left about an hour later for her team pictures and game. I had to leave as her game started to drive back to our home town to get Robert. In the meantime Andrew dropped Thomas off at a friend's house and got to see most of Catherine's game. After her game Andrew and Catherine went to the high school game where the girls' rec teams were being recognized at half time. When I got back to town I ran a few errands then picked Thomas up from his friend's house. We came home to watch some Olympics before Andrew and I headed out to a local restaurant for our anniversary dinner.
Yesterday we were all out the door by 8AM. Every year we try to attend the annual Notre Dame Eucharistic breakfast with my sister held at a local university. Well...local where we used to live, but not quite as much now. We knew it was about an hour drive and I had planned for us to have an extra half hour built in. Good thing! We awoke to a layer of ice on everything thanks to freezing rain, and by the time we left the snow was coming down at a pretty good clip. It was very, very slippery out, and it was a very slow drive. We made it with about 15 minutes to spare though, and as always we enjoyed ourselves! It was a much better drive home when we left three hours later. We spent the afternoon in our jammies and watching the Olympics.
I was telling my aunt about our crazy weekend schedule and she mentioned that we probably wouldn't change it for anything. She's right...I can not imagine the days when it is just Andrew and I. I understand what a treat it is for my Grandmother, who has been a widow for 9-1/2 years, to be able to have my kids when I ask. I am so grateful to be living this life!
Our Friday was a special treat with Catherine's basketball practice being canceled. We made wings, pizzas, and cheese sticks for dinner and watched the Opening Ceremonies. Saturday Robert and I were on the road very early for a trip back to our former town. Three Saturdays this winter/spring Robert gets to go with his troop to a local university for "merit badge college". It's an incredibly easy (and fairly cheap!) way to knock out some merit badges. He is using the opportunity to earn some eagle-required badges and we are so proud of how seriously he is working towards his eagle. Of course there are steps to be earned in between, but he is really working hard.
I was back from there in time for a quick nap (at 9AM, ha ha!) and had a little bit of time before Andrew took Thomas to his basketball pictures and game. Catherine and I left about an hour later for her team pictures and game. I had to leave as her game started to drive back to our home town to get Robert. In the meantime Andrew dropped Thomas off at a friend's house and got to see most of Catherine's game. After her game Andrew and Catherine went to the high school game where the girls' rec teams were being recognized at half time. When I got back to town I ran a few errands then picked Thomas up from his friend's house. We came home to watch some Olympics before Andrew and I headed out to a local restaurant for our anniversary dinner.
Yesterday we were all out the door by 8AM. Every year we try to attend the annual Notre Dame Eucharistic breakfast with my sister held at a local university. Well...local where we used to live, but not quite as much now. We knew it was about an hour drive and I had planned for us to have an extra half hour built in. Good thing! We awoke to a layer of ice on everything thanks to freezing rain, and by the time we left the snow was coming down at a pretty good clip. It was very, very slippery out, and it was a very slow drive. We made it with about 15 minutes to spare though, and as always we enjoyed ourselves! It was a much better drive home when we left three hours later. We spent the afternoon in our jammies and watching the Olympics.
I was telling my aunt about our crazy weekend schedule and she mentioned that we probably wouldn't change it for anything. She's right...I can not imagine the days when it is just Andrew and I. I understand what a treat it is for my Grandmother, who has been a widow for 9-1/2 years, to be able to have my kids when I ask. I am so grateful to be living this life!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Another anniversary
Today Andrew and I are celebrating yet another wedding anniversary. I really am having trouble believing another year has gone by since our last anniversary...it's gone crazy fast! The kids have tons of activities today and we've had some difficulty getting the schedule to work out so everyone can be transported, but we did make it happen. We are contemplating dinner out, but since I had to be OUT THE DOOR at 7AM, (and have to do it again tomorrow!) I am thinking it better be an early one!
Opening Ceremonies
I love that my kids are just as excited about the Olympics as I am! The winter ones are tougher than the summer ones because of school, but we still try to watch as much as we can! Last evening we all gathered around to watch the opening ceremonies. The kids really enjoyed the athlete's parade of nations, but they were all having a little trouble understanding why the countries weren't alphabetized "correctly". By the end of the parade, there were many heavy eye lids (including adults!) and we decided that we just weren't going to be able to see the lighting of the torch. I told the kids that I am sure it will be on youtube or something so we will catch it when we can.
Looking forward to the next two weeks of Olympic viewing!
Looking forward to the next two weeks of Olympic viewing!
Friday, February 7, 2014
The beginning of February
Have I mentioned that it is still winter here? Last night it was below zero (again!) and this weekend it is supposed to snow (again!). I know that I should just get over it, but it's been a rough winter folks!
On the upside, this year there is something to fill the sports void between the Super Bowl and the beginning of college basketball tourneys...the Olympics! For two entire weeks, I will have something to watch on TV anytime I want to turn it on! I'll be honest, I don't enjoy the winter nearly as much as the summer, but it is my duty as an American to tune in! I love that my kids are so excited about the opening ceremonies tonight. We've decided to have a dinner of pizza, wings, cheesesticks, etc, so we can just hang out and enjoy. Even though it's not necessarily my husband's first love for TV viewing, as a social studies teacher he enjoys seeing all of the different countries...win/win!
On the upside, this year there is something to fill the sports void between the Super Bowl and the beginning of college basketball tourneys...the Olympics! For two entire weeks, I will have something to watch on TV anytime I want to turn it on! I'll be honest, I don't enjoy the winter nearly as much as the summer, but it is my duty as an American to tune in! I love that my kids are so excited about the opening ceremonies tonight. We've decided to have a dinner of pizza, wings, cheesesticks, etc, so we can just hang out and enjoy. Even though it's not necessarily my husband's first love for TV viewing, as a social studies teacher he enjoys seeing all of the different countries...win/win!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Second Wind
It's funny how getting that call that school is closed can secondly give me a second wind! With the impending forecast of ICE (I would much rather have a foot of snow than 1/2" of ice) I was fairly certain none of us would be going anywhere tomorrow. If that forecast happens to be wrong (and since we are so far north of Cincinnati it very well could be off) then we are to receive about 6" of snow...either way not a good forecast! The roads are already getting really bad and it's supposed to get worse throughout the night. The phone call came about 10 minutes ago...and suddenly the exhaustion that I was feeling has been lifted!
We are really getting used to short weeks around here. Between my dad's passing, holidays, and snow days, our kids have had only ONE full five-day-week since the week of Halloween!
We are really getting used to short weeks around here. Between my dad's passing, holidays, and snow days, our kids have had only ONE full five-day-week since the week of Halloween!
Nothing new...
We survived the bitter cold last week, and the we even got above freezing (into the upper 40's!) this past weekend. It was nice while it lasted though, because another storm is hitting tonight. We are forecasted to receive between 4 and 7 inches of snow...four if ice mixes in, seven if not. So, we are pretty sure we are all going to be home tomorrow.
I was finally able to get our house really, truly picked up. Well, at least the living areas...the bedrooms not so much. It will happen though...if we can keep the kids in school!
I was finally able to get our house really, truly picked up. Well, at least the living areas...the bedrooms not so much. It will happen though...if we can keep the kids in school!
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