tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52337325445824569672012-02-19T22:13:47.981-06:00Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.comBlogger4481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-69500821078208064932012-02-19T19:24:00.001-06:002012-02-19T22:13:47.990-06:00

Wednesday....we'll nothing I can do to turn back the clock now.  The wrinkles are going to be there, so are the love handles.  But I have had so many great wishes and so much love from family and friends already, it doesn't matter.  Remind me I said that when June is here and I have to get into a swim suit. Today's category is something that I thought was befitting for a Sunday afternoon. 

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-27662713406609210492012-02-18T15:30:00.004-06:002012-02-18T15:30:46.976-06:00

Only a few more days left! I had the chance to have a beautiful dinner last night and honestly, it made me feel so loved and excited about entering a new phase in my life.  It's great to have people tell you and show you they love you! Today's theme is FAVORITE MOVIES This is such a hard one for me.  I can't even say I have one favorite movie.  It totally depends on the category and my mood.  Do

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-25417499625698842122012-02-17T10:38:00.000-06:002012-02-17T10:38:05.260-06:00

For the last several months, I have written Financial Friday posts about the process involved in me being more aware of the money I spend and being a better steward over that money.  I thought it would be a good idea to have a financially themed post for my list today, but I'm not going to do 4 things I could do to save money.  Not going to write about 4 things I need to do better to stay on the

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-78337666845047202402012-02-16T09:48:00.002-06:002012-02-16T09:48:32.169-06:00

Thanks to some help from the family last night, I came up with a few more categories.  Today's category was chosen by none other than my favorite 7 1/2 year old.  It's actually going to be kind of tricky for me. FAVORITE PLACES 1. Home- I'm not exactly a homebody, I do like to get out to shop and travel.  However, when I really want peace and security, home has been where it's at for me.  I

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-21496918623588954022012-02-15T07:59:00.000-06:002012-02-15T08:08:00.502-06:00

I wasn't really sure what to do for my theme today... Greatest fears? Most embarrassing moments? Things I regret? And as you can imagine, none of those sounded like a good idea, so here are four of my FAVORITE SONGS.  Please keep in mind I have about 40 favorite songs,  I LOVE music.  I love to dance in my kitchen, sing in the car and play Rock Band.  So narrowing down to four is hard.  My four

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-46842847813014240842012-02-14T16:57:00.003-06:002012-02-15T07:18:59.453-06:00

Theme for today is...dun, dun, dun.... Things I LOVE!  I figured it made sense today of all days. 1. Family I am have an amazing family.  I love the Bishop with all my heart, he's an awesome husband.  We've been blessed with three absolutely fantastic kids.  But beyond that, I adore my family on both sides.  I feel really lucky to have fit in with the Bishop's family so well and that he

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-75419062347147393982012-02-13T13:08:00.000-06:002012-02-13T13:08:04.965-06:00

Today's theme is Childhood Memories.  I'm going to write down the first four memories that come to mind up to age 12.  Here goes: My mom made my cute outfit, I am entirely to blame for my hairdo. 1. In first grade, I was hanging on the geodome at recess.  It was very sunny outside and I was caught up in an imaginary game of some sort.  I was hanging and I must have thought I was some

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-26956679497172193232012-02-12T10:41:00.003-06:002012-02-12T10:41:50.841-06:00

10 days. Ten days left before I turn 40 years old. FORTY YEARS OLD.  Everyone says 40 is the new 20. Yeah, whatever.  Not feeling that, but I did come up with a way to celebrate me that I think will be entertaining for everyone.  For the next 10 days I am going to share 40 things about myself you may or may not know.  4 things a day.  I've chosen categories for each of the 10 days to make it

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-753610945253412592012-02-10T16:10:00.002-06:002012-02-10T17:57:51.073-06:00

One of the greatest parts of having a February birthday is the fact that you can really stretch your birthday dollars.  I have always been a clearance rack shopper and today was a good day to look for a couple of new things for work/church/birthday trip. When shopping clearance, I do have a few tips: 1. Get familiar with the discount routine at your favorite stores.  For instance, I know that

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-52201611883137672752012-02-09T07:59:00.000-06:002012-02-09T11:29:20.066-06:00

Ever  have a time in your life when you can feel the water rising and you know you are going to have to hold your breath and swim or risk drowning?  That's me this week...month...next several months. To top it off, with all the sickness, I haven't been the most patient mom.  I kind of got into a little debate with my Oldest child over things that she needs to address in her life, but she could

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-9260079596952380812012-02-08T12:10:00.000-06:002012-02-08T12:11:20.968-06:00

There is a lot of general sickness going around the house here.  Mostly just the annoying kind of cold that costs me more money in Kleenex than anything else.  Facebook has been all aflutter with cold cures and what people like to do to get through it.  There were some great ideas on there. However, I have decided that honestly sometimes you just have to be sick.  It's a good thing in some ways.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-43555861337174621012012-02-06T08:09:00.000-06:002012-02-06T08:09:07.815-06:00

It's Monday.  3 out of 5 of us are coughing, blowing noses or just in general feeling run down.  The sound of sad news on the TV and a 10 year old clarinetist are filling my ears. I normally would say that I just wish Spring would get here, but actually, I am wishing for some winter.  I am wishing for a day or two of children romping in the snow in the backyard and me tending a fire in the

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-88223960256748279422012-02-03T12:23:00.002-06:002012-02-03T12:23:44.265-06:00

This post-it is on the dashboard of the van. I have to say it does help.  As I went to Target this week, I actually could name the value of everything I purchased.  And in the name of honesty, I bought myself lunch yesterday when I found out I was going to be working all day long instead of for three hours---not much value in a hamburger, but it sure tasted good. I think having that reminder

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-68255023697117183952012-01-31T09:06:00.000-06:002012-01-31T09:06:58.279-06:00

Youngest is home sick again today.  It's made me thankful for lots of things, chocolate pudding that was in my storage room being one of them.  It's been fun to watch Sesame Street again too. Combining working with motherhood this week has taught me a few things:  1. It's really nice when life goes according to plan. 2. When life doesn't go according to plan, it's stressful and easy to lose

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-49034432413868710242012-01-27T09:22:00.002-06:002012-01-27T09:22:51.988-06:00

Staring at the reality of things This week I have been thinking a lot about the cost of college.  And plane tickets.  And road trips.  Just when I think I kind of have things under control in my mind about money, I realize that I actually am so far behind.  It's depressing. It's going to cost us about $250 to register Oldest for high school this year.  That is without the cost of driver's ed,

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-75624364106089646502012-01-26T14:47:00.000-06:002012-01-26T14:47:33.264-06:00

I don't read books over and over and over again. So when I do revisit a favorite, it's a big deal.  I have read O Pioneers by Willa Cather three times, and Austenland by Shannon Hale twice.  When I heard that Hale was taking another turn in Austenland, I was really excited.  Then as luck would have it, I won an advanced reading copy of Midnight in Austenland by being a Facebook fan of Shannon

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-33026442953062295642012-01-24T13:16:00.001-06:002012-01-24T13:16:01.553-06:00

I had a meeting today with a lovely woman who was helping to plan Oldest's future.  As the meeting progressed, it was apparent that although my daughter had made enough of an impression that the woman knew her, she didn't KNOW her.  All I could think of was, "Wow, it's too bad you don't know how amazing this kid is." I think that about all my girls.  When I investigated getting some

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-10476934902537309112012-01-22T11:47:00.000-06:002012-01-25T20:03:17.144-06:00

As the Bishop headed out the door this morning, just like he has for about 500 Sundays before, I realized that I have been getting our kids ready for church on my own for a long time and maybe I could offer some suggestions to other young moms in the same situation. First of all, you will survive.  When you have a husband who has leadership meetings before church, it's because he's a good man,

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-30799158461853152392012-01-20T12:14:00.001-06:002012-01-20T12:18:03.036-06:00

I have exactly two minutes to write this post--- So here goes I'm reading a book called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  I'm enjoying it and one chapter talks about money and your happiness.  Basically...she talks about Giving Up and Spending Out.  Giving up means stop spending on things of no worth.  Spending out is about spending on those things that improve your happiness for longer

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-13980174976201263162012-01-16T11:08:00.001-06:002012-01-16T11:08:28.501-06:00

I felt a cold coming on this weekend and it's hit me full force today.  Annoying.  So I don't feel up to my usual technical breakdown of Golden Globe fashion, so I will just give you a list of my favorites. 1. Julie Bowen 2. Angelina Jolie 3. Emma Stone 4. Helen Mirren 5. Stacey Keibler 6. Salma Hayek 7. Octavia Spencer And my big misses for the night... 1. Melissa McCarthy 2. Sarah Michelle

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-10808273372859684532012-01-13T10:09:00.000-06:002012-01-13T10:09:37.023-06:00

In October, the Bishop introduced me to a program called "You Need a Budget".  We've been using it for almost 4 months now and I think I am beginning to make progress.  I have been diligent in keeping track of my checking account and trying to think ahead to what the next big expenses are.  I have fallen off the budget, especially in the grocery department at Christmas time, but I am back on the

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-16640742411227371392012-01-12T10:01:00.001-06:002012-01-12T10:01:45.065-06:00

This is a week of quick posts for me I guess. First I want to send out lots of love to some friends of mine who are marking the 1st anniversary of the passing of a special lady.  Lots of love to all the Goodwins today! Secondly, I love being home.  It's been so nice to just volunteer and be mom this week.  And I'm glad I wasn't working because Oldest has had two rough days dealing with stress

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-38269483801037359292012-01-11T11:02:00.001-06:002012-01-11T11:02:32.281-06:00

Quick post today- I'm taking suggestions for my 40th Birthday celebration.  I need to celebrate it.  It will make me feel better.  I want to focus on all I've accomplished and the great life I have....not the stuff I haven't managed to accomplish YET. When the Bishop asked me what I wanted for my birthday, something popped immediately into my mind.  "A Passport," I replied.  Not exactly a budget

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-54217966438341068362012-01-09T16:51:00.004-06:002012-01-09T16:51:43.189-06:00

I made it 9 whole days into this month before feeling blue and depressed.  That is a new personal record for me I think.  I don't like January for a variety of reasons.  Today as I didn't accomplish the major goal I had set for myself today I felt the old winter blues set in.  But I can't really call it that because we haven't had more than a 1/4 inch of snow this winter.  I was excited to have a

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-22934401033995105932012-01-06T20:25:00.002-06:002012-01-07T18:56:51.328-06:00

When I started substitute teaching, my goal was to work 3 days a month to pay for piano lessons. Then I realized that if I worked an extra full day I could take care of some other goals as well.  So I aim for 3 days and hope for 4.  I wondered if I would even be able to get that much work.  So far, that has not been a problem, especially if there is some kind of team meeting or ravaging illness.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-18386282465094714742012-01-03T12:37:00.001-06:002012-01-03T12:42:46.538-06:00

Celebrating with crackers and hats before Oldest left for her "big girl" party at the church.  Good thing her dad was there to keep an eye on this highly problematic child. :) Today is the last day of winter vacation for the girls.  But as I brought to their attention they only have a three day week this week at school.  And then they have two days off at Martin Luther King Day and two days

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-51040830202806430112011-12-31T18:08:00.000-06:002011-12-31T18:08:03.962-06:00

Honestly, I'm ok watching 2011 hit the road.  And because I feel that way tonight, I thought I better make a list of my top ten blessings from this year.  I always have a list of everyday blessings (family, health, home, etc) so these are ones that are specific to this year.  1. Middle daughter got to star in Annie Jr. and she was FANTASTIC!  It was a thrill to see her be given a chance to let

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-64960465732320372912011-12-30T07:00:00.000-06:002011-12-30T09:33:53.853-06:00

Question: Does it make financial sense to purchase things at rock bottom prices (75% off) and save them for the next year?  I'm talking about things like Christmas decor, or treat bags/napkins/etc for school parties, maybe gift items for teachers/friends. Possibly even clothes for kids for the next year. OR Is is better to just budget some money for those things and buy them when you need them?

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-42940684219140461272011-12-28T22:03:00.002-06:002011-12-28T22:03:51.270-06:00

I've been having a great time getting in some movies lately.  Although I am totally bummed about missing Hugo (loved the book...can't believe it left the theatre before Christmas!) I have seen three movies I really enjoyed. Mission Impossible- I haven't seen this one, the Bishop went and he loved it.  We have seen all the others together, but it just didn't work out for me to go.  So I may try

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-446868785453968442011-12-26T18:18:00.001-06:002011-12-26T18:18:05.435-06:00

It's been so nice eating, napping, relaxing, eating, napping and relaxing...here are a few more pictures for the grandparents. Reading the note from Santa--she wanted to know if he went to the bathroom.  The reply "Yes, I like to stop at rest stops in places like Wyoming and Nebraska where there aren't too many people on the road.  I can get in and get back on the road." :) She was so

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-73751801781717691452011-12-24T22:31:00.001-06:002011-12-24T22:31:29.298-06:00

  Merry Christmas Everyone! According to Norad Santa tracker, Santa is in PA.  This is good news because I am exhausted and would love for the little children in IL to go to sleep so he can stay on schedule.  Have a wonderful Christmas!  We will be singing in church and skyping with grandparents.  Hope your day is full of love and happiness. Dear Friends and Family- this is our

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-75311172619167061562011-12-24T13:03:00.000-06:002011-12-24T13:03:31.079-06:00

We were going to make a Christmas video this year, but then we got drafted to help make this one.  It was a bit of a stressful hour and a half to lay down the track for this, but the girls and I pulled it off in only about 7 tries. :) Merry Christmas to you all!  Enjoy! Snapdragon Inn Holiday Video 2011 from Snapdragon Inn on Vimeo.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-81044539237879513542011-12-23T08:23:00.001-06:002011-12-23T10:55:40.472-06:00

Thanks for following along on my journey to being a better home financial manager.  We started our new budget plan the beginning of October.  I'm now a quarter of the way through the first year of the rest of my life.  Ok, that's not the right way to say that...I've just finished three months of what I'm planning on being an evolution in the way I think about my money and how I manage it.  That

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-62431004806120542072011-12-22T20:15:00.000-06:002011-12-22T20:15:02.256-06:00

As I mentioned before, I have a special project I've done for the last couple of years for the girls.  We call it "12 Days of Christmas".  Each year, I choose a theme and this year's theme was "Honor Your Family Heritage". We've spent the last 12 days learning a lot about the different countries our ancestors came from, the traditions around Christmas, the locations where our family lived,

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-16226719003885259742011-12-20T20:21:00.002-06:002011-12-20T20:21:36.925-06:00

Youngest's 2nd grade teacher needed to take care of her family the last couple of days, so I got to sub for her class.  It was exhausting.  You should all cut elementary school teachers some slack, just for the fact that they are patient with your children in the days before Christmas Break, Spring Break and Summer Vacation.  Like I said, exhausting.  EX-HOSS-TING. Yesterday was the class party

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-14399723665079184062011-12-16T08:00:00.000-06:002011-12-16T08:00:18.549-06:00

One of the nice things about being on a budget is when people call on the phone to ask you for money you can say things like, "I'm sorry I'm not able to donate to anything this year" and hang up. But being on a budget doesn't mean that you shouldn't be generous.  I've thought about that a lot this week.  In fact, I think when you are trying to straighten things out financially it's even more

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-35532493335521250032011-12-14T11:08:00.000-06:002011-12-14T11:08:22.811-06:00

Drives me nuts when inspiration for writing hits when I have so many other things to do....but I have a quick thought today that I wanted to pass along. When my kids were little, I wouldn't let them say "hate".  I had used it casually myself (and still do sometimes), but there was something about hearing that word come out of my sweet little girls that just didn't sound right.  So we practiced

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-80461058119162444762011-12-13T07:29:00.004-06:002011-12-13T07:29:27.541-06:00

Forget the typical Mother's Christmas Wishlist: scented candle, perfume, and new spatula. Forget the typical Father's Christmas Wishlist: power screwdriver, cologne, and soap on a rope. This is what the Bishop wants. What I want is not on just one website: A trip to NYC and tickets to Mary Poppins, War Horse, Lion King, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and a couple of plays

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-82448497137748311382011-12-09T09:19:00.001-06:002011-12-09T09:50:46.564-06:00

I am not good at saying no. I like to fix things. I like to help. I like to get things done. I LOVE to help the people I love and that love me. I don't like to offend anyone. I want to support good causes and be a generous person. The Bishop and I really would like to see our family more often. Honestly, some (a lot) of the debt I've incurred is somehow tied to these things.  Many of the

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-30090841367311589572011-12-08T12:28:00.001-06:002011-12-08T12:42:52.571-06:00

Dortmond, Germany Christmas Market A couple of years ago, I read a book about a woman who changed the ways she gave gifts to her children and grandchildren.  She would choose a theme and create a small gift based on that theme to each family for 12 days.  Well, that inspired me and I've been doing that with the girls for two years now.  I will be starting this year's activities on Sunday and

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-54979746832472658632011-12-06T14:59:00.001-06:002011-12-06T15:05:58.202-06:00

Three, no make that four reasons why it's a good day by  The Bishop's Wife 1.Train and Martina McBride on CMT Crossroads. 2. I won an advanced reading copy of Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale and it was on my doorstep this morning. 3. I turned my office closet into a Christmas workshop and actually got some projects underway.  I also have tomorrow blocked off to hopefully finish them.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-14101152585107087822011-12-05T19:40:00.001-06:002011-12-05T19:54:52.920-06:00

I don't really have a mud room or entry room or anything to help contain the mess that comes with backpacks, soccer ball, coats, umbrellas etc.  I asked the Bishop if he could build something for me.  I showed him a few pictures and I took large pieces of paper and made sort of a pattern and taped it to the wall to make sure we were on the same visual wavelength.  Here's the end result after 10

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-43683082779198701132011-12-02T22:46:00.001-06:002011-12-02T22:54:24.913-06:00

Ok, so there is only an hour and 15 minutes left in the day and you may have thought that I forgot all about my tip for the week.  But I haven't.  Here it is.... IT'S NEVER TOO LATE! I think we tell ourselves all the time, "Oh, I can't do that", "I'll never change", "I'm just set in my ways".  And maybe it's true.  But for those things in life that we need to change, I believe we can do it.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-22339156388533052082011-11-28T19:23:00.001-06:002011-11-28T20:44:09.436-06:00

They look so cute- but this was the year of car sickness and lice. Youngest- love the bowl of goldfish... My kids know I observe a bit of a strict "One Holiday at a Time" rule in this house.  And although there is some discussion about Christmas before Thanksgiving, we try to keep the day about family and being grateful for all we've been given. So as you can imagine, now that

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-66797861011283746282011-11-25T07:38:00.001-06:002011-11-25T07:51:27.640-06:00

I'm sitting here enjoying a nice piece of pumpkin pie and hot chocolate for breakfast.  That's one of my own little personal traditions.  It's my reward for being on my feet for 6 hours making a meal that is consumed in 20 minutes.  I've thought a lot about Black Friday this year and I honestly just didn't have it in me to get up and go out with the masses to save $5 or $10.  I think Blu-Ray DVDs

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-25852309221011175432011-11-24T09:10:00.001-06:002011-11-24T09:30:53.831-06:00

I'll be busy baking/cooking/roasting/peeling today, but I wanted to take a moment to say Happy Thanksgiving to you all.  I have a tremendous amount to be thankful for this year.  I love having a day set aside to just be grateful. Here's a song and a video for you today.  Enjoy!

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-43577528644512417372011-11-22T13:25:00.001-06:002011-11-22T19:59:33.988-06:00

The Bishop's cousin is a wonderfully creative seamstress/designer.  She's hosting a giveaway for one  of her cardigans on her blog.  Follow the link HERE and check her out! The last two days I've given a lot of my TIME to different projects, all involving children.  Today as I left the school I thought about how exciting it is to be a positive influence in someone's life.  But I also thought

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-26902687523310760692011-11-18T10:33:00.001-06:002011-11-18T16:51:59.399-06:00

I wanted to mention a few things that have happened in the last month that have been little financial blessings that I am grateful for. 1. I had a pay check from substituting get deposited at just the right time. I also have been able to get just enough work to help with things. I'm also thankful for the amazing friends who have assisted our family so I could take those sub jobs. 2. I had a

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-54086320419269978662011-11-17T17:58:00.001-06:002011-11-17T18:05:38.802-06:00

Today is my father in law's birthday!  He is one of my favorite people.  I think one of the best compliments I could pay him is to share something his son said about him. "When my dad is with me, working by my side, I feel like I can do anything."Happy Birthday Keith!

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-75853446191427172722011-11-17T17:38:00.001-06:002011-11-17T21:42:59.453-06:00

I woke up sick this morning.  At first I thought it was just a bad day of eating catching up to me, but by 9:00 I realized I had a good old fashioned stomach virus.  I hate to be sick.  My sister does too.  I think we just hate being rendered useless while feeling awful.  My aunt used to call this kind of sickness "the creeping crud".  SO, that brings me to something I am so thankful for: health.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-45992605878875146362011-11-15T21:27:00.001-06:002011-11-15T22:07:59.072-06:00

Many people on Facebook have been listing things they are GRATEFUL (notice not GREATFUL).  I thought maybe I would write a few things here over the next week. 1. I am thankful for books and for libraries.  I am thankful for the opportunity to sit with a book in your hand, to turn the pages and to imagine yourself in the world the author created.  I am thankful for the feeling of a book in your

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-22481954709938740492011-11-11T16:37:00.001-06:002011-11-11T17:14:55.910-06:00

This week I gave myself a test.  Could I go to the mall and just get what I needed?  I needed a sweater for work and I found one on clearance! I avoided Mrs. Fields and didn't go anywhere near a shoe store. It was fun because my mom was there, but I think I stayed strong because my dad and the Bishop were there too and so we didn't linger. One thing that bugged me was that the urge to shop really

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-72563917744576339832011-11-09T14:54:00.001-06:002011-11-09T17:10:35.040-06:00

My parents left today after a much TOO SHORT visit. I didn't even get to make them babysit so the Bishop and I could go out on a date.  What can I say?  My parents are wanderers, never staying too long in any one spot.  I think sometimes my dad plans his visits here on certain days so he can watch Dancing With the Stars with me, and then leave.  The ABC station here was having trouble last night

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-22730879734459373922011-11-04T18:35:00.000-05:002011-11-04T18:35:02.732-05:00

One of the things that I've discovered on my financial journey is that I'm a cold turkey kind of gal.  In order to stay on budget I have to AVOID TEMPTATION.  Completely.  There is no middle ground for me.  So here are my two best tips. 1. Hide your credit card.  I had the number memorized, but that has faded and I've been good.  No impulse online purchases for those really good deals on Lands

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-69924669758255487262011-11-01T22:33:00.002-05:002011-11-01T22:33:59.349-05:00

The alarm went off at 6:00.  Ugh, I thought.  I was Monday morning.  I managed to roll out of bed and make it to the kitchen.  After a few minutes of scattered thought, I remembered where I was, what I was doing, the fact that it was Halloween, and that I had to go work. The next hour and 45 minutes flew by in a rush of making sandwiches, checking backpacks, making grocery lists, starting

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-52928627212858180552011-10-29T16:15:00.002-05:002011-10-29T16:18:29.316-05:00

We got a Roku box a few months ago, which allows us to play music, watch Netflix and get the Mormon Channel and BYUTV among other things like professional soccer and cool stuff.  One of my favorite shows is Food Nanny with Liz Edmunds.  I love this show!  The lady is a spaz, but she makes such an important point about how dinnertime is the most important part of the day.  She has a great plan

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-81166002393541112402011-10-28T10:33:00.004-05:002011-10-29T10:25:52.058-05:00

This whole budgeting thing has made me think about the financial education of our kids.  We didn't really get allowance as kids.  We just did the chores my mom gave us.  And that is cool.  We learned how to work and I think that most days, my home is a pleasant place to be.  It's not spotless by any means, but I know how to cook, clean and take care of a home.  And I'm used to doing it without

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-63913191693482237962011-10-25T21:11:00.001-05:002011-10-25T21:11:43.851-05:00

My sister posted some new family pictures and it is definitely making me miss my baby girl niece.  It's amazing how quickly kids grow up and change.  Take these kids for instance. And before you know it... Time just goes by too fast.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-73729293674449432582011-10-21T17:23:00.002-05:002011-10-21T17:29:06.535-05:00

My pity party is waning....can't tell you how grateful I am for that! I've decided though that maybe some of the things I learn I can pass along here, so welcome to Financial Friday.  I'm hoping it will be a guide for myself, a reminder to stick to the plan and persevere. My first tip to anyone who is making over their financial life is this--- GET REAL.  You need to get real about your

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-40002988545707551152011-10-19T10:03:00.000-05:002011-10-19T10:03:42.098-05:00

  The Bishop and I are trying something new in regard to our family finances-- Working Together. We haven't communicated this openly about money for our entire marriage.  I've been honest about what my expenses are; he's held firm about not using the credit card and tried to hide his own anxiety in order to keep my anxiety at bay.  I took the news about our new budget in stride, which was

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-15162985499584389172011-10-16T19:43:00.003-05:002011-10-16T19:43:35.566-05:00

From 1992-1998, Teaching (with a capital T) was constantly on my brain. I was studying theories of, listening to experiences of other teachers, practicing the lessons I had been taught, and reading, reading, reading. I finally made it to my Student Teaching experience and I received two great pieces of advice from my mentor: 1. One day she looked at me and said, "Are you having any fun?"  A

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-56548557313199690752011-10-12T10:00:00.003-05:002011-10-12T10:00:53.965-05:00

We have a Mitshubishi plant here in Normal, and recently, they used our town as part of their new promotional spots for the new electric car.  There are streets in this little movie that I drive every day.  I love it.  I love my town.  I may not drive an electric car yet, but I do love the idea that I live in a community that is thinking forward about how to be part of the 21st century without

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-61778793540298460382011-10-04T11:52:00.004-05:002011-10-12T10:05:06.663-05:00

A few weeks ago, Alanah and a few kids from our congregation got the opportunity to share some experiences they have had working on Family History.  A film crew from the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints came to meet the kids as they were working on another training video.  Here is the result!  It's wonderful to have her experience preserved on film. In the LDS Church, we believe

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-67781234010114756172011-10-04T11:52:00.002-05:002011-10-04T11:52:45.121-05:00

I always forget what it feels like to come home from vacation.  It's kind of like hitting a wall.  I had a volunteer commitment at the elementary school and by the time that was finished, I just wanted to have a nap.  But it's a busy day and I need to get caught up on things. As Jen and I began our trip, we would cheer with every new state we entered.  Yesterday it was more like, "eh, Ohio." 

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-84024113176757231932011-10-01T21:06:00.002-05:002011-10-01T21:06:48.722-05:00

There was a wedding at the inn this afternoon at 3.  The party is still going...and going....and going... I am next door and listening to the pulsing beat of Billie Jean in the background.  Oh, how I feel for the nice couple in room 3 tonight! :)  But the family seems to be happy and the party has been a big success.  It's going to be a big clean up day tomorrow... I'm having trouble

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-72979782659321920122011-09-30T21:00:00.003-05:002011-09-30T21:00:55.228-05:00

This morning was spent in cleaning the inn to prepare for several guests coming for a wedding tomorrow morning.  Hopefully the skies will clear tomorrow afternoon for the ceremony, if not we are all ready for a ceremony in the library. Due to the new baby and the busy weekend, we are staying one extra day to help out.  So tomorrow I'll be up bright and early to help with breakfast prep.  I'm

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-34492120598309907922011-09-29T16:57:00.001-05:002011-09-29T16:57:49.668-05:00

Here are a few pictures for my family and friends.  The reason I came to Vermont finally made her grand entrance today....it's quite a story, one that I am in no shape to write tonight.  She doesn't have an official name yet, but she was 7 lbs. 3oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long.  Her hair is auburn, a gorgeous, beautiful dark red.  And well, we all love her to bits already.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-21535455364961261692011-09-27T23:22:00.003-05:002011-09-27T23:22:56.016-05:00

It's midnight, and I'm pretty tired, but just a little update. I took Jen to the Vermont Country Store today and we found a 20% off sale on maple syrup.  That is a big deal around these parts, so we had a great day. The colors are turning, but tonight it started to rain, so I'm hoping that will cool things off and just boost the full color into swing.  But actually it's right on schedule, I'm

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-15990551634481669972011-09-26T16:13:00.002-05:002011-09-26T16:13:43.509-05:00

Today I started off babysitting my sweet niece and helping out at the inn.  I learned how to use a roller iron, and let me tell you, if I had one of those, I just might iron my own sheets!  Since there was no baby on the horizon, Jen and I headed to one of my favorite spots--St. Gaudens National Historic Site.  It's the home, studio and gardens of Augustus St. Gaudens- who is most famous for his

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-12808647099054364192011-09-25T20:50:00.001-05:002011-09-26T15:42:58.124-05:00

The Bishop deserves a medal of honor. He has been doing a great job with the girls and keeping everyone on their routine.  They have been asking for a few pictures.  I don't have ANY pictures of a new baby (bummer), but any day now.  My friend Jen has been making my sister laugh so hard that it brought on a contraction or two, so we'll kept that up... :) Thanks family!  You are the best!  I miss

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-5281899174434511382011-09-25T20:28:00.000-05:002011-09-25T20:28:09.184-05:00

Just want you all to know that Fall is coming.  I know this for a fact because I saw the beginnings of it yesterday as I drove through Southern New York state.  I realize this is maybe not the best video, but it might help give you an idea.  We drove through a lot of rain yesterday, but finally made it to Vermont.  This morning when Jen started to walk around in the daylight, I thought her head

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-36247641740815551232011-09-22T22:17:00.001-05:002011-09-22T22:17:20.303-05:00

I'd first of all like to congratulate myself for A.) doing all the driving today and B.) Not getting us killed in the sea of construction cones. I'm coming to you from lovely PA, well I'm assuming it's lovely, but I haven't actually seen it because it's been dark the whole time I've been here... The highlight of the day for me was visiting the John Johnson Farm.  It's a historic site owned by

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-69019450904919981382011-09-22T07:50:00.002-05:002011-09-22T07:50:56.193-05:00

I'm heading out this morning on a big adventure....The next time you hear from me will be when I am either in Vermont or somewhere in Pennsylvania!  I'm nervous, but I'm going to learn how to do all kinds of big girl things like, use the I-Pass to get through tollways, figure out detours through construction traffic without the GPS- which doesn't have live updating, and find out just how much

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-83036486762149550802011-09-20T15:01:00.001-05:002011-09-20T15:03:40.966-05:00

I have two sisters in law named Michelle. Because I am going to see the Vermont Michelle in a couple of days, this is not for her. THIS post is for the Bishop's Big Sister as she settles into her life in AZ.  She was formerly a citizen of the Great Land of Sunshine and Celebrities.  And she has two kids in college now.  Thankfully, she still has a lovely teenage girl to keep her company....so

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-43046479394882732932011-09-14T21:13:00.001-05:002011-09-14T21:13:10.250-05:00

This was a phrase that I heard at a college preparation lesson my friend gave some teenagers at our church tonight.  It kind of made me think about where I am right now in my life.  I feel pulled in a lot of directions right now and I'm in the process of figuring out which things need to be given priority and which things are ok to have on the backburner. One thing I've been grateful for is that

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-4797658336358381592011-09-11T14:09:00.002-05:002011-09-11T14:09:19.062-05:00

My thoughts are simple today.  I still feel grief for those who lost family members on 9/11/01.  I am still sorry that there is still hatred in the world.  Among all those feelings of sorrow are also feelings of gratitude and hope.  I use this as a day to be thankful and to see the good in my country and the good that still exists in mankind. I am also incredibly thankful that I still have

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-39012058270909211012011-09-08T09:10:00.000-05:002011-09-08T09:10:50.772-05:00

I have to make this a quick post today because I have a lot to get done in the next couple of hours.  I had my first sub job yesterday.  It was only a half day job and about 60 minutes of that was plan/down time.  Not too bad.  I only had to "teach" one class and it was a Literature class, so that was no problem.  But there were a few students that were a problem.  Two of them were able to be

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-46300418646135031752011-09-06T22:20:00.001-05:002011-09-06T22:20:39.368-05:00

My inlaws are going on a big trip, so I would just like to say Bon Voyage to them.  Especially you, Bishop's Mom, because you might be up late surfing the internet trying to distract yourself from worrying about the trip. :) You will have a great time and yes, I would love a souvenir.  I would like a snow globe and a t-shirt. OK, maybe not a t-shirt.  I would be happy with whatever you choose

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-51026787169883056782011-09-01T17:21:00.001-05:002011-09-01T17:21:07.325-05:00

I should be able to substitute teach after Labor Day!  Still one more little thing to fix, but I got my O-fficial substitute teaching certificate from the state of Illinois today.  Woo. Hoo.  I may now work 90 days a school year until 2015. I know, I know, you are having trouble containing yourselves. :) I am happy to see this process finally come to an end.  But just a word to the wise, if you

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-40365226833044319492011-08-29T09:15:00.000-05:002011-08-29T09:15:34.938-05:00

I only lived in Vermont for one year, but it has become a special part of my family history.  After about 12 hours of rain yesterday, my mom reported that everything was just fine.  Two hours later, my brother posted some pictures from just down the road where things were not as good.  Over the course of the night, I saw video of a bridge collapsing in Quechee, VT.  I have driven over that bridge

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-19052695375193124232011-08-25T11:35:00.000-05:002011-08-25T11:35:00.299-05:00

Many of you have been following along with my quest to become a substitute teacher.  Here's a synposis of the process that I began in June: Fill out District online application, including scanning of documents to prove I actually used to be a teacher and that I am still a college graduate Fill out Regional Office applications in paper.  Discover I need a sealed copy of my BYU transcript. Send

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-3066677657854417652011-08-22T22:10:00.000-05:002011-08-22T22:10:05.199-05:00

Our anniversary is also Oldest's birthday.  This year we celebrated mostly on Saturday.  She wanted to do this trampoline/bungee thing at the mall, so for a mere $7 we made her day.  She's got to be one of the easiest to please teenagers in the world.  Sunday was kind of a crazy day for the Bishop (well, really, what Sunday isn't?), but we managed to have some good family time for her to open

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-84611480717989065252011-08-21T08:44:00.002-05:002011-08-21T17:08:50.090-05:00

     "Aim high, but do not aim so high that you totally miss the target. What really matters is that he will love you, that he will respect you, that he will honor you, that he will be absolutely true to you, that he will give you the freedom of expression and let you fly in the development of your own talents. He is not going to be perfect, but if he is kind and thoughtful, if he

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-91321669670198077692011-08-19T21:52:00.001-05:002011-08-19T21:55:26.545-05:00

I've heard people say that as you get older, you tend to speak your mind more because, frankly, you just don't care what anyone else thinks. I think I've had a streak of that running through me lately and I've decided it's not the most productive way to be.  I've gossiped, I've criticized, I've rushed to judgment, I've blamed, oh, I know I'm such a nice lady, but honestly, you would think I was

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-2305957493635280722011-08-18T14:55:00.000-05:002011-08-18T14:55:05.963-05:00

Another first day of school has come and gone.  Only a half day today.  Oldest managed to make it through her new school just fine, with only one mess-up--she went to the wrong teacher for home room.  She quickly figured it out and made it to the right class with time to spare.  She seems to like her teachers and she knows at least one person in each of her classes, so she's relieved about that.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-50719448282377708832011-08-17T18:58:00.000-05:002011-08-17T18:58:11.492-05:00

That's a phrase that has been getting  a lot of use around our house lately.  Oldest had a great time at Girls' Camp, but as her mother, I knew that this kid was going to run out of steam and when she did, it wouldn't be pretty. "Remember girls," I said to her sisters, "at some point, she's going to hit the wall and we just need to be patient and realize that she is just tired and after some

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-5537944359232395562011-08-11T09:41:00.000-05:002011-08-11T09:41:32.400-05:00

  A few months ago, a man in our congregation said he'd donate some land and plant corn on it and then if the youth would come and pick it, sort it and box it, they could have the proceeds to help with their camps.  This sounded like an awesome idea at the time.  After all, it is Illinois.  Corn is a sure thing, right?    Lesson 1: Corn may be ready before you are. Although we were able to sell

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-27772921238005887712011-08-09T15:47:00.000-05:002011-08-09T15:47:41.443-05:00

I'm in my first day without Oldest because she is at Girls' Camp with our church group.  She is with about 100 LDS girls from the Peoria area and she is going to have a great time. She will have a great time.  She will have a great time.  I just keep repeating that mantra to myself.  Maybe I'll believe it by Saturday when she gets home and I find out she really did have a great time. I was

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-89401322124032466822011-08-05T15:44:00.000-05:002011-08-05T15:44:13.310-05:00

I am applying for a job. A real job.  Substitute teaching. A nice, flexible hours kind of job, but a job nonetheless.  I haven't had the kind of job that pays money for almost 13 years. Is it normal that I am a little scared and excited about it all? It has been quite a process too. I guess a lot of people quit halfway through the process because it is a pain.  As a parent, I'm glad it's

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-32903163253084235342011-08-03T22:30:00.000-05:002011-08-03T22:30:27.978-05:00

The Bishop had to get tubes in his ears today.  We dutifully reported to the surgery center at 7 for an 8 am procedure.  And, we waited.  And waited. They finally got him all ready to go about 9:10.  Thankfully, it's an easy procedure and so about 9:30 the Dr. came out and said, "He's ok.  You can see him in about 10 minutes."  That's when the fun part of my day began. Now I should mention that

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-19474980027021460882011-08-02T22:31:00.000-05:002011-08-02T22:31:28.402-05:00

We didn't take a big vacation this year, but we needed to get away, so we decided to check out Indianapolis.  We spent the night in a hotel, which is always a big treat for the girls.  After a quick swim in the morning, we made our way to the Children's Museum there, which is fantastic.  It wasn't too busy and we spent the whole day wandering around.  Everyone in the family got to pick something

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-76921026214416870342011-07-30T22:16:00.000-05:002011-07-30T22:16:15.327-05:00

Here are pictures from the renovation process.  I don't have a fancy camera, but I hope it give you all an idea.  We are in the "what should we hang on the walls" and "where is that pile of books going to go?" phase.  It's much better than the "don't walk past this line without shoes and a hard hat" phase that's for sure. The new hallway, there used to be a closet there. Old hallway that is

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-86357991723796824432011-07-29T08:40:00.001-05:002011-07-29T08:42:25.685-05:00

My daughters have been obsessed with making fancy cupcakes for some time now.  Cupcake calendars are hanging in the two older girls rooms.  As the birthday of their little sister approached, they figured it was the perfect opportunity to launch into their first creation--ducky cupcakes. So first, we watched this video about 12 times. Noooo Prob-lem!  I say to the excited children.  We can

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-8961083433633785312011-07-28T09:42:00.000-05:002011-07-28T09:42:45.681-05:00

I'm not entirely sure how Youngest came to be known as Buggy around the house.  I think it started with Randa Roo (which rhymes with her first and middle names), then it became Roo Bug and then Bug.  She likes Buggy better because Bug reminds her of a creepy crawly thing more than Buggy.  It's a nickname that fits. She's a tiny little thing, even though she's as tall as most kids her age, she

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-11644141015667783192011-07-25T09:02:00.000-05:002011-07-25T09:02:39.149-05:00

As many of you know we are in the midst of some major updating/repurposing/remodeling around of our home.  It's been sheer craziness since February.  Something has been torn apart, stacked in corners, reorganized etc...and nothing has felt settled.  This isn't a great feeling for me, it tends to make me lose my mind a bit. So I probably shouldn't have launched into a bookcase repainting project.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-1707991512859820922011-07-20T11:18:00.000-05:002011-07-20T11:18:35.662-05:00

I'm getting rid of more stuff!  So funny because I added more stuff too, but oh, well....I put all this stuff on my curb and I am hoping it will get taken away before the garbage guys coming on Monday.  The couch that the Bishop and I have had since we were married has been taken off to Recycling for Families so it can be used for another 50 years.  Can't believe I gave away a VINTAGE couch.

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-600710016527131492011-07-19T20:29:00.000-05:002011-07-19T20:29:30.714-05:00

I'll get some pictures of all the busyness around here up soon....just a note to say that the illness is sort of moving it's way out, the heat is just flat out oppressive, my inlaws are super helpful and generous, and it's HOT outside (bears repeating). The Bishop had a wonderful 40th birthday and I'll share a bit of his gift later.  Now I need to go clean a bathroom because I have a friend who

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-30412056731031874962011-07-15T11:23:00.001-05:002011-07-15T11:27:18.017-05:00

Finally had some gumption to clean up today before the arrival of the in-laws.  Youngest was a trooper and cleaned-up out my shower and did whatever I asked of her.  She deserves a gold star.  The other two have to be specifically instructed or else they think they don't have anything to do. "But you didn't tell us what to do......." (Kids! Sheesh!) I got around to blow drying my hair and about

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-50338779605020156202011-07-14T11:03:00.000-05:002011-07-14T11:03:59.561-05:00

Well a little sickness has hit the homestead. My friend called me yesterday and said, "What did you do? What did you pray for to bring this upon yourself?" I said, "Well, I just prayed for peace and then I put that on my blog." She replied in all her wisdom, "That's it!  Don't you know never to pray for things that start with "P", peace, perserverance, patience..." Pneumonia? Yep.  I have a "

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5233732544582456967.post-57313882057873558002011-07-10T14:20:00.001-05:002011-07-10T16:52:42.486-05:00

My family is so lucky to get to be able to participate in a mini-Olympic style competition with some amazing people during the summer.  The "Illympics", held in northern Illinois, is a weekend that is literally jam packed with fun stuff to do.  I have to say that I was pretty impressed with my girls abilities to compete.  They did a fine, fine job.  I was busy acting as record keeper this year,

Normal Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00591180027916497732noreply@blogger.com1