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.

ENT

So I finally went to the ENT today.  After much poking and proding, the Dr was quite unimpressed with my sinuses.  He asked about my teeth, which are good.  I only have 2 fillings.  Not bad at all.  Turns out he seems to think my issues are TMJ related.  I have a mouthguard from the last time I had episodes of pain, but don't wear it regularly.  He recommended a soft diet for a few weeks, to minimize pressure on the jaw.  Also, he recommended to wear the mouthguard again or get a new one that is a better fit in case of jaw and/or bite changes.  Who knew!  Hopefully I will be on my way to feeling a bit better.  SO many problems I have had go back to the stupid TMJ, and just when I feel as if I am not having any problems with my jaw it comes back in another form.  Dr recommended motrin as well.  Hope you all are having a good week!

Pre-Concert Photo Shoot

My handsome boy.  My beautiful girl.  And when they cut loose they know how to be silly.  I am hoping to use some of these pictures for Christmas cards this year.  I need to get a move on.  Getting ready to help in classrooms a couple of times next week.  Ainsley has a cookies and books morning with parents so to even out my time I will help with Aidan's Christmas party.  Say some prayers for me if you think of it.  I am heading in to the ENT tomorrow.  Have a great week if I don't get back on here.

Long time...

no post.  It has been an interesting time since Thanksgiving.  I have been trying to get holiday shopping done and visiting the Dr.  Last week I went in for my annual physical and wanted to talk about some issues I have been having.  Mostly sinus related.  I had a CT scan this week and am going next week to see a ENT specialist.  Apparently I have had a sinus infection for quite some time.  I am thinking months now, but the weird thing is that I haven't had a cold or anything that ever made me think a sinus infection was actually my problem.  I am on a round of antibiotics now and see the ENT next week for this plus the deviated septum they found on the CT.  I am not going to have the surgery to correct that if it is not necessary, but I am curious what the ENT specialist has to say about this sinus infection.  I can date symptoms back to at least this summer that have flared up seriously recently.  Months and months and months.  I also caved and got a prescription for migraine medication.  I have hesitated on this always because I have been told how expensive it is.  While I paid a larger than normal co-pay, it was not as expensive as I had anticipated.   I have been so grateful that I was able to get this medicine.  Oh my word!  I took one tablet this morning as I awoke around 4am with a terrible pounding hormonal migraine.  2 hours later it is gone!  Oh what a blessing.

In other family news, Tuesday was a milestone for me.  The big 40!  Ugh I hate to type that.  At least though I am blessed enough to still be having birthdays.  Hubby took the day off to hang out with me though.  We went to the gym, breakfast, and the movies while the kids were at school.  Fun day!

Last night was Aidan's 5th grade choir and band concert.  So fun.  I was able to take pictures of the kids last night that I hope to use for our Christmas cards.  I will post some here once I get them down loaded.

Have a great weekend all!

Happy Thanksgiving...

from our house to yours!  Just the 4 of us this year.  We are not traveling this year and our families for various reasons of their own could not make it.  We will be alone for Christmas this year as well, but I sure can make a spread.  Currently watching football and resting a sore back while hubby cleans up my kitchen.  Pie awaits us later.  Happy Thanksgiving all!

Poor girl...

This was my sweet Ainsley last night.  Monday night she complained of a headache and went to bed early.  Tuesday morning the kids were off from school, but Ainsley awoke very early complaining of a stomach ache.  She was not herself all afternoon but we went about some of our daily business.  We went to vote and parent teacher conference.  On the way home I stopped at the pharmacy to pick up a sprite hoping it would settle her stomach.  She did not make it home before becoming quite ill.  She sipped on sprite and later pedialyte before crashing for the evening.  She only had two episodes before conking out for the evening which was odd.  This morning she was still quite peaked, but by this afternoon she is fine.  Not quite her normal appetite, but feeling much better and barring any other issues she is going to school in the morning.  I had to take her picture though because it is not often this child is so still and quiet.  Most days she just has ants in her pants and will talk your ear off.  Love my poor sweet girl and so thankful she is better.  Hoping that this steers clear of the rest of us!  At least it was a mild case of whatever bug this was.  Blessings to all this week.  Thankful that so many took the time to exercise their voting rights.  Thankful that our school levy passed!

Trick or Treat!

Trick or treating in our town was postponed due to bad weather from Hurricane Sandy.  Never in my life did I think we would be affected here.  Horrible wind and rain Monday night into Tuesday.  School was cancelled Tuesday.  Originally the city did not plan on rescheduling Trick or Treating activities, but at some point the city mayor relented and made some changes.  I had already told my children they were not going out on Wednesday night and with all the rain we had they agreed easily.  So above we have Merida from the movie Brave as well as a minimally scary zombie football player.  No blood or gross for my Aidan as requested.  Wednesday held class parties at school and this time I volunteered in Aidan's class.  He was playing a game where they had to put a paper plate on top of their heads and had to draw a complete jack-o-lantern.  The best one got a prize.  It was hilarious to see some of the drawings!

Thankful that we did not sustain any hurricane damage.  Some of my neighbors were not so lucky.  We did not lose power either.  So thankful.  I was without phone or internet for a few days, but I was able to manage just fine with my cell.  Also thankful that was working.  My hubby during all of this was in Wisconsin.  Missed all the excitement.  I did drop the hammer though.  I told him that if for whatever reason his flight was cancelled on Wednesday, he needed to get a rental car and drive himself back.  Not having any more of that.  Thankfully as well, the local airport did reopen on Tuesday afternoon and he was able to catch his Wednesday afternoon flight without any issues.  Prayers for everyone on the east coast!

Trunk or treat

A few weekends ago our church hosted a Trunk or Treat.  The event is a non-confrontational way to get families out to visit the church and have children able to trick or treat in a safe environment.  We took Ainsley as Aidan was at a friends slumber party.  We had such a great time!  We told the Associate Pastor who organizes the event to put us on the list to host a trunk for next year.  People had their cars all decorated and handed out candy all in a non-scary environment.  There are some very creative people out there.  Love it!

Recovering...

I have to give my readers a huge apology for my meltdown a few weeks ago.  I have been completely stressed about a multitude of things.  I refuse to count them all, but I will give you a highlight of the more important happenings around here.  My in-laws came and went.  In talking to me they were quite understanding of some of my problems.  My kids mentioned the car and my meltdown on the phone to hubby.  However, a complaint about the accommodations was made to my hubby.  Hubby plans on repairing the situation for his parents, but he made it quite clear that they were the only ones making the complaint.  So otherwise, they said they understood that I was under the weather.  They also got a taste of what it can be like around here.  Friday, the weekend they were here, was a day off from school and we were excited to be able to sleep in.  However, about 5 am that morning I hear Aidan coughing up a lung in the bathroom.  The boy could barely breathe!  Scary.  Truthfully, his color was good and it sounded like croup to me so I treated it as such and the cough did settle after steaming/cold air for about an hour and drinking warmed apple juice.  Needless to say, Aidan and I ended up at the doctors office.  He was much better at that point.  He was cleared to play football which was on Saturday.  She said numerous viruses can cause those types of symptoms and whatever it was settled in his voice box.  He felt better on Saturday so we went to his football game and the pumpkin patch.  After our trip to the pumpkin patch, the child was without a voice and stayed that way until Monday.  The doctor had warned that he might lose it completely as it was pretty raspy when we went to see her.  So, my in-laws got to spend a sick weekend with us.  Later in the week Ainsley started to exhibit similar symptoms, but she never completely lost her voice nor did she have the croupy episode.  I was however running the humidifier in her room and having her gargle as a preventative.  I think it helped.  We had some free tickets to the Browns game that Sunday, but with Aidan voiceless we did not him at the game for hours out in the rainy weather.  Hubby and his father went instead.  It happened to be the one game the Browns have won this season so I keep telling hubby that he needs to get those free tickets more often.  The Browns are depending on him!  So that is it for now.  I have more posts and pictures to follow.

31...

little second graders all rotating through different stations.  2 other Mothers and myself manned the tasting station.  Children had to choose their favorite kind of apple, red, yellow or green and favorite apple topping, brown sugar, sun butter, cinnamon and caramel.  Data will be graphed later.  Busy station, busy morning.  Helping in my girls class after a rough evening...best blessing ever.

It is late for me...

I am tired.  I feel like I am complaining all the time but really there are many good times.  I have to tell my story though.  It will keep me up at night if I don't.  I was working on a painting project last week and issues kept putting me behind but I was not aware at the time that it would be much of a problem.  Last Friday evening my hubby mentions the Rangers baseball game.  If they lose the game his parents will be driving up to pick up the now fixed RV.  If they win, they will make the trip later in November after the playoffs.  Needless to say the Rangers lost.  Saturday night my in-laws call.  I am not in on the conversation but assume that hubby will tell me what is going on.  Wake up with a headache early Sunday morning.  I realize hubby never mentioned his parents plans which sets me to worry and I can't get back to sleep.  In laws are coming Thursday night.   For my Sunday afternoon  I had made some promises to the kids about things we would work on and I explain my situation to husband.  I am not done painting, he is leaving town for a good chunk of the week and I need him to move furniture so I need to paint Sunday.  I take kids to deal with one of their issues.  Come home to hubby finishing the painting.  Later we move furniture.  Monday goes fine, just busy as usual.  Tuesday the migraine starts.  Wednesday I still have migraine.  Take Aidan to football practice.  Freezing cold and windy.  Ainsley and I migrate to the car.  I turn things on but neglect to start the engine.  I should have started the engine.  A while later the car goes haywire, and I realize I ran out the battery.  Some helpful parents jump start my car.  Get kiddo and on way home call husband to have a melt down.  Not sure what to do.  He advises and I am able to get the battery checked.  Now all is fine and good.  My house is still a disaster because I have not been feeling well.  I forced myself to the grocery this morning because I do not have another chance to go.  I am to volunteer at Ainsley's class tomorrow.  I am afraid that my in-laws will see the state of things, start making comments I don't have my heart prepared to hear and I will react badly.  Husband is going to try to get a flight home tomorrow as opposed to travel early on Friday.  He was not expecting the parents either, but since he does not really have to do anything to prepare for their visit he does not care when someone moves his cheese, referencing the title of a book.  I do not always handle it well when people move my cheese.  I am trying not to stress about the state of my house.  I am trying not to worry about the state of my car, especially since the guy at the auto parts store checked my battery and decided that it had plenty of charge and should start without a problem in the morning.  Now I am getting tired.  I put the kids to bed, not terribly late considering, and cleaned the basement for my guests.  I started putting the office that hubby finished painting for me back together.  I thought that if I get all this gook out of my head that maybe I would feel a little relief and less stressed.  I am not sure if it is helping, but I will list some things for which I am thankful...an understanding vet who realizes we do not want to go through heroic measures for the dog, an ailing senior citizen.  We are doing our best to keep her comfortable as long as possible.  Children who did not panic when I was starting to come unglued when on the phone with hubby.  I always feel like I can't make mistakes so I appreciated how understanding they were to the situation.  Kind parent's of other team players who helped me out when I needed it.  I feel like such an outsider so often that it was nice that they were willing to help when asked.  So now I think that I am tired enough to head to bed.  Thank you all for "listening"  to my rant, and if you did not get that far when then too bad.  I am off now to take more pain reliever and say some prayers for a good night sleep and headache relief in the morning.  Have a good rest of the week everyone.

So much ...

to do today, this week, and I just can not seem to get my act together.  I painted my dining area last week and after a few mishaps, some major and some minor, I got the room put back together yesterday.      I have paint to do my study so I really should be focusing on getting that room ready to paint later this week.  Construction crews started work our our back patio and steps this morning which is what has me disrupted.  Lots of racket!  It will be a huge blessing when it is done.  The wooden steps that the builder installed are already starting to deteriorate and after all the rain in our first year here the concrete patio is starting to lean because of shifting ground.  Not impressed with the builder's landscape company that did the original installation.

Life has been very busy with the sports schedule as usual this time of year.  Aidan has not had as much homework so far this school year and while Ainsley has plenty she has been pretty agreeable about doing any homework that she does not finish at home at her brother's practice.  We usually save reading and math flash cards for football practice because they are easily portable.  Aidan's poor team is not doing as well this year so far.  They have not won a regular season game yet.  They won their preseason game though.  I keep saying prayers because it would go a long way for their confidence if they could just get a win.

Ah well, I will get to posting pictures soon.  I have my cell phone situation straightened out again.  So, I  once again have a camera.  Maybe I will post some dining room paint pictures.  I still need to finish up some things to totally pull the room together, but some items will be waiting until next month since the patio is going in.  Have a good week all and so sorry that I have not posted in a while.  Life just gets in the way sometimes.

So tired...

of this election already and we have several months to go yet!  I get 4-5 calls a night of recorded messages for various elected positions plugging their candidate, not just the president.  I also get several survey calls daily where the caller asks, If the election were held today how would you cast your vote.  I have not ever lived in such a political battleground state in an election year in my life.  I don't think I like it either.