Chris is at work full time now, Can I just say a loud YIPPEEEE! Like Charlie's grandpa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this might not be a golden ticket, but it is truly a golden blessing, a hope fulfilled, a confirmation of God's work in our lives, and a really neat thing.
I get to spend the first part of this week with my sweet niece. The boys are with Oma and Opa, gonna have their first camp out. Yippee!
Then, this weekend, we get to go on vacation! Great Wolf Lodge, here we come, the Willingham's descend.. and I mean all of us.. Dad and Cheryl are taking us and Chris's brother's family for a fun weekend at a waterpark/lodge. Woo-Hoo, Yippee!
So, if I can get the laundry done, get things to stop leaking and vacuum my floors, I'll feel great about the whole week!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A week of firsts
This week is certainly shaping up for the books. Chris gets the job. Ryan morphs into pre teen. and now.... Josh has lost his first tooth! Where are my little ones going? I guess it's just time marching on, but, WOW! so fast.
Here is a picture of the event.
It came out while eating a bowl of "fake" chocolate Lucky charms.. I guess Mom was right, this stuff will really make your teeth fall out. :)
We also decided to make some emotion faces, just for fun!
Can you guess the emotion?? I'm not telling!
Here is a picture of the event.
It came out while eating a bowl of "fake" chocolate Lucky charms.. I guess Mom was right, this stuff will really make your teeth fall out. :)
We also decided to make some emotion faces, just for fun!
Can you guess the emotion?? I'm not telling!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Where did the time go?
My sweet baby boy has become an official pre-teen! He's 8.. it shouldn't have happend so soon, but he has always been advanced for his age. Why do I think he's passed this major landmark you may ask??
Well, there is a common road marker for boys. It might be different for girls, but for boys, when they choose live action shows over animated super heroes, pre-teenness has arrived.
My son has found iCarly. It's a silly Nick preteen show. Cute girls. Dumb guys. pre-teen humor involving blowing things up with air, the occasional word "underwear" and simple problems solved in 22 minutes. It's kind of the "Full House" of the time. This is now his "favorite" show. And he just started watching yesterday.
For all the moms and future moms out there who aren't sure how this happens, listen to my cautionary tale. It's starts simply.
"Hey Mom, can we try to watch a new show? Like maybe iCarly?"
" Sure son, we'll watch it together to make sure it's something you can watch"
"thanks mom, you're the best"..
fast forward 30 mind numbing minutes later. No cuss words. No skin. no SpongBob humor. Two thumbs up.
"Well mom, what do you think?"
"not too bad, i guess it'll do"
"Thanks I love it. This is my new favorite show!"
what?? Wait?? how'd this happen?? I let my guard down for 30 minutes and he's sucked in like a shake through a straw. Now every minute is spent figuring out when he can watch it again. Even cleaning toilets didn't slow him down. Silly boy scrubbed 2 toilets and a bathtub in under 30 minutes so he wouldn't miss the next episode.
I don't think I'm ready to enter the Pre-teen mentality. I don't want to have the sex talk yet. I don't want him to know that Santa Claus might have a different address. I don't want girls calling the house next year. And I don't want to discuss body changes! Oh yeah, all while trying to maintain the innocence of the 5 year old. Of course second children are never REALLY innocent. We've spent our lives watching the elders messing up and learning new stuff from them, but still. How does it all work out??
I thought this was supposed to be an easy summer! Well, maybe it's not the end of the world. He's now old enough to make his own food (of sorts). He can work all the electronics. He can clean. He is almost tall enough to reach the top shelf. He opens doors for me if he's not playing with his legos. He can be a real little gentleman and even says yes ma'am without a lot of reminding. Not all bad. I guess.
But really? iCarly? heaven help me!
Well, there is a common road marker for boys. It might be different for girls, but for boys, when they choose live action shows over animated super heroes, pre-teenness has arrived.
My son has found iCarly. It's a silly Nick preteen show. Cute girls. Dumb guys. pre-teen humor involving blowing things up with air, the occasional word "underwear" and simple problems solved in 22 minutes. It's kind of the "Full House" of the time. This is now his "favorite" show. And he just started watching yesterday.
For all the moms and future moms out there who aren't sure how this happens, listen to my cautionary tale. It's starts simply.
"Hey Mom, can we try to watch a new show? Like maybe iCarly?"
" Sure son, we'll watch it together to make sure it's something you can watch"
"thanks mom, you're the best"..
fast forward 30 mind numbing minutes later. No cuss words. No skin. no SpongBob humor. Two thumbs up.
"Well mom, what do you think?"
"not too bad, i guess it'll do"
"Thanks I love it. This is my new favorite show!"
what?? Wait?? how'd this happen?? I let my guard down for 30 minutes and he's sucked in like a shake through a straw. Now every minute is spent figuring out when he can watch it again. Even cleaning toilets didn't slow him down. Silly boy scrubbed 2 toilets and a bathtub in under 30 minutes so he wouldn't miss the next episode.
I don't think I'm ready to enter the Pre-teen mentality. I don't want to have the sex talk yet. I don't want him to know that Santa Claus might have a different address. I don't want girls calling the house next year. And I don't want to discuss body changes! Oh yeah, all while trying to maintain the innocence of the 5 year old. Of course second children are never REALLY innocent. We've spent our lives watching the elders messing up and learning new stuff from them, but still. How does it all work out??
I thought this was supposed to be an easy summer! Well, maybe it's not the end of the world. He's now old enough to make his own food (of sorts). He can work all the electronics. He can clean. He is almost tall enough to reach the top shelf. He opens doors for me if he's not playing with his legos. He can be a real little gentleman and even says yes ma'am without a lot of reminding. Not all bad. I guess.
But really? iCarly? heaven help me!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Finally!
I am finally ready to power down for the summer. I had my last work "meeting" today and am now ready to spend my time focusing on the house and the boys and some ME time. It's none too soon because my blood pressure is way higher than I like it and I really feel like I should be farther along in my summer projects. I've only been out of school two weeks and I've already visited family, and made lists and connected with friends from way back, but it's time to get cracking.
AFter the first week of the "beat the fat" diet and excercise regime, I'm down almost 2 pounds (yea me!). I still crave the carbs and junk food, but I've got willpower bubbling up from somewhere. Must be all those prayers. Or maybe I really am just sick of being fat. But, I really like that I got the soft chicken tacos at Lupe Tortillas on Friday and didn't feel guilty at all.
My sister in law is having a garage sale this Sat, and I'm really excited she asked me to be a part (or did I invite myself? hmmm, maybe I better dial it back a notch). I explained to the boys that they could get some extra spending cash for our vacation this summer by cleaning out their rooms and selling some toys. They seemed excited. But when they came down with about 3 toys each, I knew I had failed to communicate the gravity of the situation and that they were clueless as to the ways of the garage sale. Time to teach them the ways of the frugal non pack rat. I think I might be fighting a losing battle, though.
And finally, the laundry should be torched. I really just want to light a match to every shred of clothing not on someone's body. Can't do it, but that doesn't keep me from dreaming.
AFter the first week of the "beat the fat" diet and excercise regime, I'm down almost 2 pounds (yea me!). I still crave the carbs and junk food, but I've got willpower bubbling up from somewhere. Must be all those prayers. Or maybe I really am just sick of being fat. But, I really like that I got the soft chicken tacos at Lupe Tortillas on Friday and didn't feel guilty at all.
My sister in law is having a garage sale this Sat, and I'm really excited she asked me to be a part (or did I invite myself? hmmm, maybe I better dial it back a notch). I explained to the boys that they could get some extra spending cash for our vacation this summer by cleaning out their rooms and selling some toys. They seemed excited. But when they came down with about 3 toys each, I knew I had failed to communicate the gravity of the situation and that they were clueless as to the ways of the garage sale. Time to teach them the ways of the frugal non pack rat. I think I might be fighting a losing battle, though.
And finally, the laundry should be torched. I really just want to light a match to every shred of clothing not on someone's body. Can't do it, but that doesn't keep me from dreaming.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Some summer fun!
Here is what Josh and I were up to earlier this week.
First, the sprinkler is hours of fun!
The evidence of mess!
Painting isn't bad either, especially when it's outside.
Some more fun.
Cleaning up in the sprinkler after painting.
What fun! Wish you could join us!
First, the sprinkler is hours of fun!
The evidence of mess!
Painting isn't bad either, especially when it's outside.
Some more fun.
Cleaning up in the sprinkler after painting.
What fun! Wish you could join us!
Father's Day excitement
The boys are so excited about Father's Day tomorrow. Much more excited than they were for Mother's Day, I might add. See, they decided what to get Dad. 100% on their own.. with the expectation that Mom would help them buy it. What a great idea! And they really know their Daddy, cuz he will like this gift much more than the stereotypical tie and fishing rod. And I like that i didn't have to come up with the idea.
I wonder if this means we are entering a new stage of life.. the stage when the kids can pick their own gifts to give? within reason of course. :) Hmmm. Could be good times.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Diet inspiration
So here I am on Day three of the "Beat the Fat" endeavor and my will power is waning... and along comes one of my favorite blog sites to push me forward and keep me going.. If I can just figure out how to make some of the images poster size I could not eat for a week!
Check out Cake Wrecks friends.. it'll make you laugh.. and they update daily.
And if cake disasters are your thing, you should check this out.. a towering inferno of cake badness.. it'll really quench that desire for chocolate cake.
Check out Cake Wrecks friends.. it'll make you laugh.. and they update daily.
And if cake disasters are your thing, you should check this out.. a towering inferno of cake badness.. it'll really quench that desire for chocolate cake.
Monday, June 15, 2009
the reality
Well, we had a great plan.. the reality is a little different
Chris had a headache and couldn't sleep last night, so he didn't go work out this morning. Instead, he told me to turn of fthe alarm. Unfortunately, I forgot to reset it, so I woke up at 7:45 and had to rush to get Ryan to VBS. When I got back I did my Wii fit for 30 min. Yea me! Then I had b-fast and checked e-mail. I made a quick run to the grocery store to stock up on veggies and healthy stuff before it was time to go get Ryan. When Chris went to get Ryan from VBS I made a beeee u ti ful salad for lunch. And while we were eating.. Modern Marvels was running a show on snack foods. How wrong is that?? I'm watching them make Mrs. Freshly's cup cakes while munching rabbit food. Makes the diet harder, but I made it through.
I am still hopeful that we can be healthy, even though we are only 6 hours into the venture.
Chris had a headache and couldn't sleep last night, so he didn't go work out this morning. Instead, he told me to turn of fthe alarm. Unfortunately, I forgot to reset it, so I woke up at 7:45 and had to rush to get Ryan to VBS. When I got back I did my Wii fit for 30 min. Yea me! Then I had b-fast and checked e-mail. I made a quick run to the grocery store to stock up on veggies and healthy stuff before it was time to go get Ryan. When Chris went to get Ryan from VBS I made a beeee u ti ful salad for lunch. And while we were eating.. Modern Marvels was running a show on snack foods. How wrong is that?? I'm watching them make Mrs. Freshly's cup cakes while munching rabbit food. Makes the diet harder, but I made it through.
I am still hopeful that we can be healthy, even though we are only 6 hours into the venture.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
It starts tomorrow..
Here's the plan... up early.. doing some Wii Fit yoga while the husband goes to the club (workout club, that is.. just sounds better to say the club than the stinky gym).. take son to VBS.. grocery shop for fresh healthy foods to be prepared with love.. pick up son from VBS.. start on calls from the "list of things to do" I made yesterday.
Must also get the Netflix in the mail so we can continue our quest to catch up on 24 and spend some one on one time with the 5 year old who can't go to VBS.. maybe I'll have a grocery helper.. and maybe I'll take some aspirin when I first wake up. :)
Must also get the Netflix in the mail so we can continue our quest to catch up on 24 and spend some one on one time with the 5 year old who can't go to VBS.. maybe I'll have a grocery helper.. and maybe I'll take some aspirin when I first wake up. :)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
New fitness goals
Well, it's summer and time has come to get healthy and lose weight.
I'll be utilizing the Wii fit routine and my 24 hr fitness membership, if they let me in the door. It's been ages since I've set foot in the place, so they might just laugh, but I can handle some ridicule. Cuz I'm tough that way.
And I was informed yesterday that my desire to "lose weight and get healthy" is not a real goal. I must quantify what I want to achieve. But if I do that, and I don't make it, I'm a non-goal reacher. And failure is not an option at this point in my life. So I guess I'll aim for 15 pounds lost by mid August. It seems reachable and reasonable for a busy summer schedule.
So, I am now publicly declaring my war on tummy fat and inviting encouragement from all who enter here. And prayer, lots of prayer.
I'll be utilizing the Wii fit routine and my 24 hr fitness membership, if they let me in the door. It's been ages since I've set foot in the place, so they might just laugh, but I can handle some ridicule. Cuz I'm tough that way.
And I was informed yesterday that my desire to "lose weight and get healthy" is not a real goal. I must quantify what I want to achieve. But if I do that, and I don't make it, I'm a non-goal reacher. And failure is not an option at this point in my life. So I guess I'll aim for 15 pounds lost by mid August. It seems reachable and reasonable for a busy summer schedule.
So, I am now publicly declaring my war on tummy fat and inviting encouragement from all who enter here. And prayer, lots of prayer.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Quotes of the day
Mom, can I have my 2nd dessert?? - Josh
I think I got some hay stuck, um, well, there. ya know? - Ryan
and the answers are.....
No.. .
and Yes, I know where.
I think I got some hay stuck, um, well, there. ya know? - Ryan
and the answers are.....
No.. .
and Yes, I know where.
Monday, June 8, 2009
How do you like your eggs?
How do you like your eggs? This question, asked a million times a day at diners and restaurants around the world, should be easy to answer.
I like mine scrambled with cheese, please. See, easy.
Unless I'm in a mood, then I like them over easy. With a little salt and pepper. On those days it's fun to watch the yolk run.. i like to pretend it's running away from me before I scoop it up with some toast. Like i said, when i'm in a mood.
But then I have days when I'd really prefer a quiche or breakfast casserole of some kind.
Some people don't like eggs at all, so they would probably answer "none, thanks, but can I replace it with extra sausage or fruit?"
I think eggs are one of God's most versatile foods. It's a binding agent, works great with protein or glutin. It can be cooked in untold forms. And tastes great with anything added to it. Except candy, but really, candy is great all by itself. Eggs cook quickly and are highly nutritious. And perfect between bread or not.
Like right now, I'm eating pan scrambled eggs with cheese topped with chopped olive and salsa. Yum! paired with a great cup of coffee, it's a great way to get the day started.
So, here's to an egg-cellent day. And that's no yolk!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Quote of the Day
"I love pickles. But if I had to choose between pickles and parents, I've gotta go with parents, right mom? Because I love parents more than pickles." -- Josh, while making lunch
Thanks honey, I'm glad I rate above the kosher dill.
Thanks honey, I'm glad I rate above the kosher dill.
Summer Wish list
Here's my summer wish list.. what I wish could happen.. and I'll be pleased with 50% of it happening..
1. start working out regularly
2. return to being a grocery saver, ie making a plan to really save money
3. clean the house
4. have all the laundry folded and put up at one time
5. repaint the boys' bedroom
6. new dressers for the boys
7. clean the closet
8. new deck
9. fix leak so we can get new floors
10. regular vacuuming
11. grow plants
12. have children read more often (yes, I am a reading teacher and I have compassion on all those parents who struggle to make their kids read)
13. new couch
14. fix disposal
15. family trips to NB and Dallas
16. Anniversiary trip
17. get rid of flea problem on my dog
18. play in the backyard
19. reclaim the backyard from the forces of nature
20. Chris getting a job he loves
21. repaint bedroom
22. death to the dust bunnies
23. an aroma of clean throughout the house
24. figure out crazy rock band rhythms that always mess me up
25. spend time with my boys
Yes, the list is ambitious.. but without dreams, how can I set goals??
Help and advice is welcomed. :)
1. start working out regularly
2. return to being a grocery saver, ie making a plan to really save money
3. clean the house
4. have all the laundry folded and put up at one time
5. repaint the boys' bedroom
6. new dressers for the boys
7. clean the closet
8. new deck
9. fix leak so we can get new floors
10. regular vacuuming
11. grow plants
12. have children read more often (yes, I am a reading teacher and I have compassion on all those parents who struggle to make their kids read)
13. new couch
14. fix disposal
15. family trips to NB and Dallas
16. Anniversiary trip
17. get rid of flea problem on my dog
18. play in the backyard
19. reclaim the backyard from the forces of nature
20. Chris getting a job he loves
21. repaint bedroom
22. death to the dust bunnies
23. an aroma of clean throughout the house
24. figure out crazy rock band rhythms that always mess me up
25. spend time with my boys
Yes, the list is ambitious.. but without dreams, how can I set goals??
Help and advice is welcomed. :)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tired today
It's Wednesday... and I'm tired. Tomorrow is the last day of school for students. We'll have a blast, no doubt. I'm just ready to relax, but not tonight, that's for sure. No, we have a party after school then a church meeting before I get to go to the homestead.
And I notice that when I'm tired, I whine a lot more, much like my 5 year old. Guess that's just the breaks. I'm wondering what Chris will do for dinner with the boys since I won't be home until 8 ish. But Friday... that'll be the day.. work day, time to get it all finished. AND my last day as team leader. I really should write an ode to team leading...It really is ode-worthy... and lots of stuff rhymes with leader, right?
And I notice that when I'm tired, I whine a lot more, much like my 5 year old. Guess that's just the breaks. I'm wondering what Chris will do for dinner with the boys since I won't be home until 8 ish. But Friday... that'll be the day.. work day, time to get it all finished. AND my last day as team leader. I really should write an ode to team leading...It really is ode-worthy... and lots of stuff rhymes with leader, right?
