What is this?????

A blog post!!!!  Really!!  It has been months!  I happened to be on the computer this morning working on Christmas cards and decided to quickly hop on here to put up a small post.

 In the middle of school winter concert series around here.  Last Thursday Miss Ainsley had her 3rd grade choir concert.  Monday Aidan had his 6th grade band and choir concert.  This fall hee also auditioned for the school stage band, which is like a jazz ensemble, and made it.  One of 2 6th graders in the bunch!  Since it is a blended group though we have to attend all 3 nights of concerts.  6th on Monday, 7th on Tuesday and 8th on Wednesday.  At least they are performing 2nd each night so tonight and tomorrow we will be able to leave after he performs.  Poor Ainsley is going to more concerts than she wanted to attend as hubby is out of town the rest of this week.

In case I do not make it on here again before the Christmas holiday, let me wish all my readers a most blessed and safe holiday season.  I know my readership has dwindled dramatically due to my lack or writing, but what can I say.  It has been a busy school year for us thus far.  I hope to get into a more regular blogging cycle in the new year, but it has kind of been a relief not to have to worry about posting something for a while.

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

Summer update

Well, it has been a busy summer and a not busy summer at the same time.  Yes, I believe it is possible.  Moments of busy and moments of not busy.  We are just coming off a long weekend of busy.

Since our dogs passing, we had a few weeks of much needed nothing.  A few days to recover from our loss.  I think I felt it most as I dealt with her most.  I just noticed that the noise level was much lower.  Even with the racket that my children make with the other neighborhood kids, the house was just quiet.  I even confess that I was checking the local humane society webpage to see what dogs were available for adoption.  I came to my senses though.  I decided I was not going to seek out a new pet.  If The Lord intended us to have a new dog, it would happen in a natural way.  The same as happened when we came across our cat.  Anyway, I am no longer looking for a new dog and actually have gotten used to the house without her.  I hope not to sound heartless here, but I realize how much care our dog required in her later years.

Aidan had his soccer camp a few weeks ago and once again we were asked to host coaches.  I don't mind typically because we have a finished basement but we were asked to host 2 coaches this year, a male and female so I had to provide separate sleeping arrangements.  Thankfully I had an extra space I could provide, but it was not as comfortable as our basement.  I think they ended up having a good ice while they were here and I know we learned quite a lot about the cultural differences between the US and UK.

After turning over the basement our next round of guests came.  My sister and her husband brought the kids!  All 3 of them!  My nephew is 3 and the twins area just over a year.  They arrived Thursday evening.  Friday afternoon my cousin arrived with her husband and son who is 18 months.  All in all we had a house full.   It was so fun to have all the babies here, but we were all worn out.  My sister and cousin were thrilled with how well all the children got on.  They were especially thrilled with how well my older two managed with all the littles.  My two are really good with younger children.  I have always said that my Ainsley was meant to be an older sister.  Sadly if I were to have healthier pregnancies I would have been more willing to have another child.  Aidan, I have been told repeatedly by church leadership, is an excellent helper with the younger children in the children's wing.  They just love him and I am so pleased to to hear that as a parent.  So proud of him.

We are currently gearing up for fall soccer season.  Yes, I said fall soccer!  Aidan tried out for the local travel team and made it.  No football, much to my husbands dismay.  I swear though that I did not try to influence Aidan in any way.  He came to the decision to try for soccer all on his own.   Hoping for a good and safe season and an enjoyable group of parents as he will be on the same team this fall and as well in the spring.  Stuck with these folks for a year so hoping to develop some friendships.

Well, I am off for now.  I will post some pictures another time.  Working on my tablet at the moment so posting pictures is not the easiest for me.  This just doesn't work the way I want it to.  More later friends and h ave a wonderful weekend.

Saying goodbye...

We went on an actual vacation last week.  Just our family, to the beach.  We had so much fun!  My children had never experienced the ocean.  What a sight it was, and what an amazing thing are the tides.  Anyway, in taking this vacation, we boarded the dog as usual at the veterinary clinic.  I went to pick her up on Monday and they asked me to wait to speak to the Dr.  Apparently,  Alex had not had a good visit and he wanted to know how she was at home.  She struggles a bit, but can still get around on her own.  Well, something happened while at the vets.  She can no longer walk on her own and is having some other issues.  B is coming home from a trip today and he will be taking her to the vet one last time.  Aidan in particular is extremely upset.  He and the dog have never been close as she has been elderly most of his life, but she has always been around.  A constant in this house.  Time to say goodbye to the old lady.  She made it to 16 which is amazing for a dog her size (60 lbs).  I will post some pictures the kids took later.  I haven't taken any of her now because I truly don't want to remember her this way.  I want to remember the doggie of her youth.  The one who was spry and comfortable and would catch frisbees.  This is the dog I want to remember not the one with the problems of old age.  My only complaint is that I wish the vet would have called to explain what was going on.  I understand that he did not want to interrupt our vacation time, but if he would have talked to my husband I think we would have been more prepared for this and handled it differently.

Prayers for Oklahoma

I have chosen not to watch too much news for the next few days.  Praying for Oklahoma today.  It is times like these when I am grateful that I no longer live in tornado alley.

Feeling better...

I still feel a bit lousy about all this mess, but I feel better.  Thanks for the prayers.  I dealt with the insurance and will be taking my car in tomorrow.  Mine is mostly cosmetic, paint not even really dented, but I think I have a bit of an alignment issue as it seems my front tire took most of the impact.  At least this was fairly low speed as I had slowed to turn left.  As far as the neighbor front, they weren't a very friendly couple so no major loss there as they have lived next door for a year and when the hubby went over to introduce himself the introduction was not reciprocated.  My insurance is covering their damage so that is not an issue.  I had thought of taking a cake or some cookies over as a peace offering,  but after the initial attitude I received I am not sure how they would see the gesture.  Some people just are not very nice when a situation like this happens.  The neighbor did apologize for his behavior so I guess that should make me feel better.  Sometimes it is hard to shake first impressions, the fear and embarrassment I feel is not easy to overcome.  Oh well this will be the last post on the subject as I will try not to dwell on this any farther.  I take things so personally!

On a lighter note, Ainsley went on a field trip today to the local baseball stadium.  The class attended a weather class at the weather station there offered by one of the local news station meteorologists.  They also saw a bit of the baseball game being played today as well.  She had a really good time because she was assigned to a group with one of her favorite friends.  A friend if mine went and took some really cute pictures too.  Well, I am off.  Trying my hand at making macaroons for Aidan's gifted class island themed end of year party.  I will let you all know how they turn out.

Such and idiot...

I dislike using that word as it is so ugly.  I feel that way right now though.  I just had a minor accident with my car, and the car I hit belongs to my neighbor.  I was at fault, and I just feel stupid.  The accident as relatively minor.  What is most upsetting about the whole thing is the cursing out that I got from him.  I stopped and gave him all my information and apologized profusely, but still got the initial cursing out.  I did not intend to ruin his afternoon nor my own, but his language was really not necessary.  He did apologize after a bit though.  Everyone is fine and the damage to both cars is relatively minimal.  I apparently took the corner too sharply when turning into the neighborhood and I did not even see him as he was pulling up at the same time.  Please don't worry as we are all fine.  I am just upset with myself hence the blog post.  My apologies I know there are bigger problems in the world. I am a relatively careful driver so I guess that is why I am taking this so hard.  Just feeling stupid.

What a week..

I am having!  Really last week was more of the issue.  On top of the end of the school year wrap up beginning,  I had to get ready for guests.  My inlaws came in town Thursday evening stayed the weekend, left on Monday morning for Niagra falls.  They will come back Friday and stay until Monday at which point I have to drive them to the airport.  Last week became crazy because on Thursday evening I ended up having to be in three places at roughly the same time.  Needless to say my inlaws had to wait at the airport for me for about 45 minutes because of the schedule.  Hubby was originally supposed to have the pick up responsibility, but work commitments pulled him away.

Aside from the stress of my inlaws visit, I am so thankful I checked my on-line bank statement.  I discovered that hubby's ATM card had been compromised and about $500 worth of transactions were made at various gas stations most notably one at a Sam's Club in Florida.  He was in possession of his card so I am not sure when it was compromised, but all but one of the transactions were pending so it had to have been very recent.  So glad I checked!  His card has been canceled and we are not being held responsible for any of the transactions.

Mother's Day was very nice for the most part.  I had to share my day with my MIL which is not always easy.  I had made reservations at a nice italian place thinking they love italian food and eat it regularly.  Not where I would have gone if the choice were solely up to me, but they had been there before and liked it.  Well, I don't think they like it anymore.  They weren't terribly thrilled about the menu and the noise in the restaurant.  FAIL!  Hubby and I were a little annoyed.  Things just become a bit more difficult every visit.  It is especially hard because FIL does not respect a differing opinion on any subject.  If I hear one more time about how invalid my reasons for not wanting to take a cruise vacation I think I am going to scream.  I swear it comes up every time I see them.  I explain every time how I get extremely motion sick and all the medications knock me out cold.  They know this and still argue with me about it.  I get motion sick sitting in the back seat of a car so why would I put myself through the misery of an extended boat ride I do not know.  I also do not know why it offends him so.  Ahh well, please forgive me.  Years and years of frustration here.  I pray every we see them for the ability to change my attitude and how I deal with them.  After they leave and I replay things in my head is when I get frustrated.  I just try to smile and leave the room when necessary.  I hate being such a complainer!

Well, I was going to leave you with a picture of Aidan from his band and choir concert last week, but alas I can not find it.  It has not downloaded from my phone and I have already shut my phone away in the laundry room with my dog for the night.

Say some prayers for me if you would for this following weekend.  Friday, the hubs celebrates a big birthday.  MIL shares the same birthday.  We are planning a dinner out on Saturday night because Aidan has a soccer practice on Friday.  We will be having better than anything cake after practice.  What a crazy schedule we have!  Oh we just have to make it to Monday with sanity in tact.  I will try to get over here and get some pictures posted this week.  If not, then have a great week and weekend everyone.

Finishing and unfinished project...

long time coming.  It has taken me 12 years.  I have not worked on this steadily at all.  Lots of projects have come and gone on to completion. This one was too daunting, too large.  My friend and teacher who was with me when I bought materials and made plans and should have stopped me.  She didn't.  I forgive her for that.  This is a king sized quilt.  I may do some hand work to this now that I see the large blocks of white screaming at me for some detail.  I also plan on making some pillow shams to complete the set and will use the quilt on our bed this fall.  I used flannel as my backing so it is too warm for summer use.  What do you think?  This was hastily draped over my couch hence the wrinkled look.  Not so wrinkled when laid out on the bed.

This boy...

turned 11 last Saturday.  This boy who asks for homemade cakes for every birthday.  This boy who is silly and fun and completely disorganized.  This boy who made me a Momma for the first time.  This boy who is a piece of my heart walking around outside my body.  Love this boy.  He is my favorite boy.  I can't believe he is 11.  Have a good weekend everyone.  I am thankful for the warmer weekend to come.

Change of plans...

I had great plans today.  Drop kids at school, gym, grocery shop, laundry, and get ready for the parents visit.  I come down stairs after my morning shower to find a message from the school district on my answering machine.  No school today due to weather.  For my windows the snow amounts do not appear too bad, but apparently it was bad enough that the school district decided to cancel at the last minute.  I will still manage the laundry today, but I will be recruiting small people to help a bit more in the getting ready for the grandparent visit. Much easier to do since they ill not have any extra homework to do today.  I will have them do their reading time and Ainsley will get her math facts time, but some housework will be required as well.  However, I am not venturing out so we will make due with the food we have as grocery shopping will be postponed until tomorrow.  Thankfully we have plenty of milk and fruit. Plenty with which to make due.

Working on some unfinished projects as well.  I have a large quilt that I am trying to finish.  I started this quilt back before my son was born!  It was just too large and daunting so I keep putting it aside.  I am to the point of  quilting so am just going to do a massive amount of stitch in the ditch and get it done myself.  I promised myself I would finish all my unfinished projects and kits before I buy anything new.  I want to make Ainsley some summer dresses so I have some motivation.  Also, hubby has helped me clear tha kids playroom and set up more of a sewing space for myself.  I have a new table in there for cutting fabrics and other projects.  Both of my children have had many school projects this year so they have had more opportunity to use the space than I have. I am trying to make more of an effort to have more creative time.  I really need it from time to time as it relaxes me.  Ainsley loves art projects and crafting so as she gets older I am hoping this is something we can do together.  Great opportunity to spend time with my girl.  Aidan actually likes to use the space now for homework.  Sometimes when trying to get work done he needs the escape from his sister.

What a way to start the week!  Stay warm and have a great day all.

Another busy week

So it has been another busy week with kids school projects band concerts added to the general running of the home.  I have been feeling good so I have been quite productive.  In talking to my husband in the evenings I find that I almost always rate how good a day I have had based on how much of my to do list I have accomplished.  I need to stop that!  I have more value than how much laundry I get done or whether the floors were vacuumed.  My happiness should not be measured by how much housework I am able to do.  More wrong thinking on my part.  I do this quite often.

 My parents will be visiting for our spring break.  They arrive on Good Friday and I am more than a little excited.  I must confess to them  a health issue I have been having though and I haven't felt like speaking of it.  I feel like a failure even though it is something almost completely out of my control.  More wrong thinking...see the pattern here.  I think I am afraid of being perceived as a failure of some kind.  I don't even feel right talking about this here yet which is unfortunate as it was meant to be a journal of sorts.  Know that I am okay and healthy and will maybe write something soon.  I haven't mentioned it to my mother though because I know that she will freak out and I feel like she worries about my sister so much that I don't need to add to her worry list.  More wrong thinking.

So my prayer today is that we stop the wrong thinking and negative self talk.  I pray that all my readers see themselves the way that the Lord sees them.  We can be our own worst critics can't we.    Have a blessed weekend all.

Dear blog....

How I have missed you!  I spilled water on my lap top and essentially killed it.  Not completely, but mostly anyway.  We had to make some modifications to our computer situation and now I am up and running at full speed again.  Mobile with my ipad and using the computer with our mac mini attached to the living room TV instead of a monitor.  I kind of like the situation as I can monitor closely what the kids are using the computer for.  The laptop still works for now, but needs to remain plugged in as I seem to have fried the battery.  We will let the kids use it for internet purposes, but all vital information, banking. photos and taxes had to be moved to a more secure location because that computer can go at any time.  The kids like using the computer here in the living room so I am not sure how much that laptop will get used.

We had another health scare with the in-laws so if you would please add them to your prayers.  FIL came home from a cruise with a cough.  Every time he gets a cold now, he ends up drowning in fluids. Congestive heart failure and pneumonia kick in and he waits until the last possible minute to seek treatment.  This time he got a nice ambulance ride to the hospital in the middle of the night and a few days hospital stay.  My MIL was scheduled to have her knee replaced later that same week.  My Sister in law was headed away for a long weekend in Vegas.  She lives in another city but within driving distance to them.  Needless to say, B had to head down south a few days to take care of them.  He got there in time for MIL to be released from the hospital.  FIL had already been released at this point but was not functioning at full capacity.  B was there a few days in SIL came back from her trip to relieve him to he could head home.  I guess we have officially become one of the sandwich generation to a degree now, caring for young children at home and having to care for elderly parents.  I still don't think of my parents being elderly as they are still in good health at this point.  My in-laws are not in as good of health.  MIL is struggling with pain management now after surgery and I just pray that she has the strength to actually do the therapy.  I had a discussion with her when she was here last summer that the worst thing she could do for herself was to stop moving.  Before her surgery, she was already headed that direction.

So I leave you for now with a silly photo of Miss Ainsley during lunch at a local sandwich shop from a few weeks ago.  Cold outside but so bright and sunny that she needed my sunglasss indoors.  Silly girly.  So happy it is Friday and an unscheduled weekend.  We have been so busy with activity these last few weekends it will be nice to have the down time to regroup. Happy weekend all!  Have a safe St.  Patrick's day if you partake in such things.

Sunshine...

leads to an improved state of mind for me.  Wow, today's sunshine has truly been a blessing.  I received an answer to a small prayer for some guidance.  Blessed my socks off.  Something minor.  In search of a babysitter so I could attend a work function with the husband.  The neighbor girl I would normally used was not available.  The other recommendation I received from the girl did not work out either.  Wasn't sure what to do.  Contacted the Children's ministry director at church to see if she could connect me with some teens who babysit.  She sent me a few names and the first girl I contacted is able to sit.  Also, turns out we have worked in the nursery together so we are not total strangers.  Husband is happy.  I did not go to this function last year because he mentioned it the day before.  No time for me to find a sitter!  Big praise for a small blessing.  Happy day!

Ainsley's 8!

Happy Birthday to Miss Ainsley!  She is 8 today and posing here with her new buddy.  We took her to Build a Bear as a her gift.  I have actually avoided build a bear for all these years.  The kids each have one from their first birthday but that is it.  Ainsley saw an ad for the store a few months ago, so I said we could take her for her birthday so I made good on my promise.  Happy Valentines day to all!

Cough Cough...

Hack hack hack.  Cough cough cough.  That is what has plagued this house for a while now.  Not flu just bad cold/cough.  Ainsley had a mild fever for 3 days.  Better today.  She is having a birthday this week and a party this weekend so I am glad she is on the mend.  Aidan is coughing as well, but no fever for him.  He seemed to come down with this a day before Ainsley girl did.  I am trying to stay well.  Drinking plenty of green tea and sinus rinse.  I even nicked a few of the kids Immune C gummies.  They taste much better than Airborne.  Anyway, tons of baking to do tomorrow and Thursday, brownies for Ainsley girl to share with her class and cookies for the Valentines class party.  Ah well, that is all for now.  More later when there is hopefully less hacking going on.

Super Bowl Spread!

We do our special spread every year. B is recovering from a mild case of the flu so some more items than normal were prepackaged. In this case chips and popcorn which is not typical for us. Hubby grilled chicken wings, and crab legs. We also had fruit salad and kid prepared ants on a log. Banana pudding for dessert.  I also had a treat, Malta.  It is a cereal beverage.  Something popular in Puerto Rico that I grew up drinking.  Made from the same ingredients as most beer, but surprisingly sweet and non-alcoholic.  Hubby came across these large bottles at the store and bought me a few.  Funny thing, Ainsley got one for me from the fridge and knowing that was my second one for the evening admonished me not to get drunk.  I laughed and laughed!  Number one it is a non-alcoholic beverage, and number 2 I have not been drunk in years!  I rarely drink.  I can count on one hand the number of cocktails I have had since my children have been born and I rarely drank before that either.  Too funny.  Anyway, we had a good time watching the game.  I stayed up too late watching and am feeling the pain this morning as hubby was up at 3:15 to catch an early flight out.  Napping today I tell you.

As an update:  dinner with our friends went well.  Hoping to have them over again sometime.  They are quite an interesting couple.

Currently planning a birthday party for my baby girl who is not such a baby anymore.  We are actually having a party with the girls from her class this year.  Invitations went to school with her today.  I have purchased little fabric treat bags and materials to decorate them as an activity and will serve cake and ice cream.  Just a couple of hours and 15 girls invited.  Not too bad.  We shall see how many are actually able to come.  I feel a bit pressured to invite all the girls in the class so as not to have anyone feel left out.  My other choice was to invite the whole class though and I was not up to having that many kids over.  I am thinking of serving chocolate cupcakes with pink icing to go with our pink theme.  That is if I can find pink icing.  So cute.  Ah well, have a good week all.  I think I am going to head to bed for a bit.

Stepping out of my box...

So sorry for not having written since new years day.  I have been busy with some things and will hopefully talk about that at another time when I am more ready to talk about them.  Husband has been traveling quite a bit since the start of the new year which makes my life a bit more busy and not busy at the same time if that makes any sense.  Anyway, on to the title of this blog post.  Last school year, Ainsley had her favorite little friend from school.  We have had her over several times throughout the summer and the current school year with both girls constantly asking for a sleepover.  At the end of school year picnic, we actually sat with her family and had a really good time.  We talked about getting the families together and have just never gotten around to it.  If anyone has a crazier schedule than my husband it is the head of this household.  He is in law enforcement.  Enough said.  Well, I finally invited them to dinner and they have accepted!  Please say some prayers for some much needed fellowship and openness on my part.  Hopefully we can continue to develop a good relationship with this family especially since our girls seem to get along so famously.

 Hope everyone in the midwest is surviving this cold snap.  I was out shoveling snow this morning and felt completely underdressed.  I was lacking a hat and had my lighter gloves on as I shoveled after the morning drop off.  Definitely needed that hat and a scarf and thicker gloves.  I believe more snow is expected tomorrow as well.  At least the hubby will be coming home so hopefully he will clear snow for me!  Take care everyone and I will let you know how dinner went next week!

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone has a blessed new year!  Above I have the photo of a previously unfinished project that I have since finished to display this holiday.  I have started another rather large project as well.  I will keep my posted of my progress.  The hubby is home from the store and I must get off of this computer. Working on a home improvement project as well.  More shelving for the boy's legos and lights for the bathroom as I am preparing to paint.  Have a great day, week, month, year.  Many blessings to you all.

Merry Christmas

From our house to yours!  Take care and safe travels to all.  Midwest folks especially as we are under a blizzard warning starting tomorrow.

Made it!

So I started this yesterday but was unable to get back to it.  My apologies.

This has been the longest week!  Aside from all the issues going on in CT, school security has become a huge internet discussion in our district.  Some weeks ago some threats were made at the local high school.  Local police were involved.  Investigations were conducted and the conclusion was reached that this was all rumors and was sort of like a game of telephone.  He said she said and nothing could be proven or substantiated.  However, security at the high school and middle school was to be increased.  Namely only one door available for entry, school IDs required etc.  As an outside observer, it seemed like a bunch of kids trying to get out of a day or two off from school.  Then last Friday happened, and parents have started to panic.  Criticism of the way today was going to be handled is rampant on the district FB page.  (This is where I stopped yesterday) The afternoon had parties scheduled and I was to help out in Aidan's class again as I was in Ainsley's on Monday morning.  I was greeted by a police car in the front parking.  I headed in to the back door which was going to be open due to the high volume of visitors and was happily greeted by a local policeman.  Apparently he had been at the school all day making his presence known.  He also stopped by the classroom while the party was going on.  I am making the assumption that he was stopping through all the classrooms.  Aidan had said he had stopped by to visit the classes several time throughout the day.  I so appreciate our local police officers.  They are truly an amazing group that protects our town.  They make their presence known and crime is really at a minimum.

 This weekend we begin to prepare for our holiday meal.  B wanted to head into the city this morning to hit a local market.  He is coming down with a major cold so I am not sure how much time we will spend shopping.  Sunday and Monday will bring visits to church and the kids are singing in the childrens choir.  Not sure when I will have a chance to post again.  Merry Christmas!  I leave you with some photos of our holiday lights.  I also have a completed cross stitch project that I need to get photographed and posted.  So cute!  Take care everyone.