This morning after Brett left for school, Josh emerged from his bedroom dressed for school including shoes and his backpack. So of course I told him it was too early for school (he has afternoon Kindergarten) and he slumped his backpack off with a sigh and asked if he could go play at the neighbors house. I of course told him it was too early and that he needed to come in and have breakfast and I could turn on the TV.
I was planning on jumping on my treadmill which I do MOST (uh-hum) mornings when he paused and looked at the floor and said, "This floor is dirty..we need to clean it!" So I replied that I would get to that after my workout. He said, "Okay Mom, I will get the mop out and start while you are exercising."
Darn Kid...
I don't know if he was using secret reverse psychology or was really planning on doing it, either way..I decided I needed to mop my floor. I hurried and vacuumed the floor while he followed me with the mop and we got the floor done lickity split!
After we were done, he said, "Aren't you so proud of me Mom?"
"Well of course I am!" I replied.
"Can you go to your wallet and find some gold for me?"
"Even better," I said "there is gold on the floor for your reward."
I led him to the corner of the hall where a dime and penney had been left unclaimed.
"Ohh..I love finding gold!" shouted Josh.
Me too....
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Things That Are Occupying My Brain
It seems that I am extra busy these days. I am trying to get a handle on the new school year and I feel like I am tackling one day at a time. I know that is what most everyone else is doing, but it would be nice to plan the next days activities prior to that actual day :)
Here is a few things on my mind right now.
Bear Cub Scouts - Every week, we get together and pound out as many requirements as we can in one hour...We have Scouts on Thursday and I am usually thinking about it on Wed, then gathering the materials on Thursday..
Love and Logic - Mike and I are attending this class learning new parenting skills and trying to incorporate them in our lives. I listen to the CD's on my ITouch in the evening when I am going to bed and in the morning when I am on the treadmill...
Library - We are putting a Library together for my kid's school. This process started in March of last year and we wanted to be done by the beginning of school. I am spending all of my available time down at the school seeing this process to completion. With the help of some volunteers we can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!
Work - Oh yeah, my Part-Time job. I am lucky in that I can schedule my work when it is most convenient for me..but I actually do have some deadlines..I know, crazy!! So just when I think I have a few hours to myself when Josh is in Kindergarten, I remember I have some work to do!
Decisions - I recently received my Substitute Teaching certificate and have decided to try it out. I know next year, it will be easier for me to do this when both my kids are in school Full-Time. I need to fill out my application for Mesa Public Schools and pick a few days that can work for me and my family. Just trying to decide when that will be...That's my decision!!
Kiddos- These guys are the reason I try so hard each day. I love spending time with them and they make me smile. I am proud of the boys they are becoming.
Well, Off I go..I need to get a lesson together on Birds for my Bear Scouts! How can life get any better??
Here is a few things on my mind right now.
Bear Cub Scouts - Every week, we get together and pound out as many requirements as we can in one hour...We have Scouts on Thursday and I am usually thinking about it on Wed, then gathering the materials on Thursday..
Love and Logic - Mike and I are attending this class learning new parenting skills and trying to incorporate them in our lives. I listen to the CD's on my ITouch in the evening when I am going to bed and in the morning when I am on the treadmill...
Library - We are putting a Library together for my kid's school. This process started in March of last year and we wanted to be done by the beginning of school. I am spending all of my available time down at the school seeing this process to completion. With the help of some volunteers we can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!
Work - Oh yeah, my Part-Time job. I am lucky in that I can schedule my work when it is most convenient for me..but I actually do have some deadlines..I know, crazy!! So just when I think I have a few hours to myself when Josh is in Kindergarten, I remember I have some work to do!
Decisions - I recently received my Substitute Teaching certificate and have decided to try it out. I know next year, it will be easier for me to do this when both my kids are in school Full-Time. I need to fill out my application for Mesa Public Schools and pick a few days that can work for me and my family. Just trying to decide when that will be...That's my decision!!
Kiddos- These guys are the reason I try so hard each day. I love spending time with them and they make me smile. I am proud of the boys they are becoming.
Well, Off I go..I need to get a lesson together on Birds for my Bear Scouts! How can life get any better??
Monday, August 24, 2009
My I Touch
I got an I-Touch for my Birthday in March and I have loved it! Now, I know that it is the "Poor Step Sister" to the IPhone and it doesn't get as much love. It may not have all the bells and whistles as the IPhone like it can't call anyone, take pictures or it can only connect to the web when it is near a Wi-Fi network that is free...but I am going to stand up and proudly say that I Love my I Touch!!
I can however watch movies, get all the cool apps and download pictures. I can check my email, facebook and twitter updates when I am laying in bed, how convenient! But, one of the downsides is that the whole family shares it. I never know where it is and I am constantly charging it because someone has been playing with it until the batteries go out! My husband thinks it is fun to look at Facebook and send emails pretending it is me and my kids love to play games (Why do we need the DS's anymore??) and watch movies.
The one thing that has surprised me is Josh's fascination with my music selection. He loves to play the music and sing to it. The other day, I had the "Today" show on and Natasha Bedingfield was singing. She was singing "Pocket Full of Sunshine." Josh started to dance along to it and said, "Mom, I want this song on my ITouch."
First I thought, How cute, then I thought..That is My I Touch!!
This morning Josh is playing with the dogs, holding the ITouch and playing "Jump" by Flo-Rida featuring Nelly Furtado. I am not sure how the song got on my ITouch..that's the problem with a communal handheld device.
I can however watch movies, get all the cool apps and download pictures. I can check my email, facebook and twitter updates when I am laying in bed, how convenient! But, one of the downsides is that the whole family shares it. I never know where it is and I am constantly charging it because someone has been playing with it until the batteries go out! My husband thinks it is fun to look at Facebook and send emails pretending it is me and my kids love to play games (Why do we need the DS's anymore??) and watch movies.
The one thing that has surprised me is Josh's fascination with my music selection. He loves to play the music and sing to it. The other day, I had the "Today" show on and Natasha Bedingfield was singing. She was singing "Pocket Full of Sunshine." Josh started to dance along to it and said, "Mom, I want this song on my ITouch."
First I thought, How cute, then I thought..That is My I Touch!!
This morning Josh is playing with the dogs, holding the ITouch and playing "Jump" by Flo-Rida featuring Nelly Furtado. I am not sure how the song got on my ITouch..that's the problem with a communal handheld device.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Love and Logic
Mike and I have been attending the Love and Logic classes to help us improve on our parenting skills. When we first walked in, I thought wow, we are going to be part of the loser parent club, but fortunately they don't make you feel that way!! We had to get over our pride and realize we are all in the same boat. We all want our kids to turn out to be responsible, respectful adults and a little help couldn't hurt.
My favorite quote they gave us on the first day was, "You don't have to be Perfect Parents to raise great kids." Well, that frame of mind really takes the pressure off always trying to get it right and allowing you to make mistakes once in a while, because I am pretty sure we are all not perfect.
For those of you who haven't heard of Love and Logic, it is really just that. Learning to love and enjoy your kids while parenting them logically without getting yourselves into the emotional battles that can happen. How does this happen? By not Warning, Threatening or Reminding your kids. When I heard this I thought..Well, how are you supposed to raise kids without those three things?? Ahh...I guess that is why we have 6 weeks of classes :) It won't happen overnight and it will take practice for THE PARENTS to learn how to parent differently. The kids will follow our lead.
So we just finished our 2nd class and it hasn't been a perfect 2 weeks, but what a difference it is when the arguing has pretty much stopped and Brett is doing his chores without being asked...almost.
Love and Logic
My favorite quote they gave us on the first day was, "You don't have to be Perfect Parents to raise great kids." Well, that frame of mind really takes the pressure off always trying to get it right and allowing you to make mistakes once in a while, because I am pretty sure we are all not perfect.
For those of you who haven't heard of Love and Logic, it is really just that. Learning to love and enjoy your kids while parenting them logically without getting yourselves into the emotional battles that can happen. How does this happen? By not Warning, Threatening or Reminding your kids. When I heard this I thought..Well, how are you supposed to raise kids without those three things?? Ahh...I guess that is why we have 6 weeks of classes :) It won't happen overnight and it will take practice for THE PARENTS to learn how to parent differently. The kids will follow our lead.
So we just finished our 2nd class and it hasn't been a perfect 2 weeks, but what a difference it is when the arguing has pretty much stopped and Brett is doing his chores without being asked...almost.
Love and Logic
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Seattle Trip
We went to Seattle in June to visit my sister and her family. Her daughter, Ileah was being baptized so we thought it would be a good time to visit. We hadn't been there for 5 years, so we were a little overdue! The kids had a great time reconnecting with their cousins they see about once a year and enjoying the amazing scenery in Washington.
Outside a BBQ restaurant
The kids were playing in the stream behind the restaurant while we waited for a table.
Brett and Lloyd
Ileah, Emma and my Sis Karen
Sandbox under the patio
Space Needle
Showing off the Fire Power at Seattle Music Project
Waiting in the Seattle Airport, Our flight was 3 hours delayed and of course we were at the airport 2 hours early! So that was the most tortuous part of the trip! The actual flight was a piece of cake after that :)
Outside a BBQ restaurant
The kids were playing in the stream behind the restaurant while we waited for a table.
Brett and Lloyd
Ileah, Emma and my Sis Karen
Sandbox under the patio
Space Needle
Showing off the Fire Power at Seattle Music Project
Waiting in the Seattle Airport, Our flight was 3 hours delayed and of course we were at the airport 2 hours early! So that was the most tortuous part of the trip! The actual flight was a piece of cake after that :)
Up Next - Kindergarten
Josh graduated from Pre-school this year, which he lovingly referred to as "Lower School." He had so much fun going to Ms. Gail's preschool along with his neighborhood friends Lilly and Daisy.
For his Preschool Graduation program, his Dad came to videotape the event. Josh must have sensed this was going to be a special moment to be recorded in the history books, so he shut down and stood in place. He was not about to sing or do any actions. We finally had to put the camera away to get rid of the dirty looks he was shooting towards his loving parents. His Dad thought he could trick him by moving around the audience and be sly about shooting pictures, but it seemed to get worse when Josh spotted him again. I had to take the camera out of his hands and say.."It's not going to happen, just sit down and pretend you aren't looking at him!"
Mercifully, the program ended and Josh finally smiled for a picture next to his cool prizes he received for Graduation from his amazing teacher.
Big Smile for the camera!
Hand Stencil of Josh's profile by his teacher
Garden Stone - so cute!
Yea! Last day of school - Daisy, Lilly and Josh Celebrate..
For his Preschool Graduation program, his Dad came to videotape the event. Josh must have sensed this was going to be a special moment to be recorded in the history books, so he shut down and stood in place. He was not about to sing or do any actions. We finally had to put the camera away to get rid of the dirty looks he was shooting towards his loving parents. His Dad thought he could trick him by moving around the audience and be sly about shooting pictures, but it seemed to get worse when Josh spotted him again. I had to take the camera out of his hands and say.."It's not going to happen, just sit down and pretend you aren't looking at him!"
Mercifully, the program ended and Josh finally smiled for a picture next to his cool prizes he received for Graduation from his amazing teacher.
Big Smile for the camera!
Hand Stencil of Josh's profile by his teacher
Garden Stone - so cute!
Yea! Last day of school - Daisy, Lilly and Josh Celebrate..
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
UB40 = WE B 40
For my belated 40th birthday present to myself, I decided to go to Las Vegas with my friend Becky who I have known for almost 40 years. We decided on this trip one day at lunch when we were talking about our upcoming 40th birthdays in March. She is one of those friends that has been with me through thick and thin. Meantime acquiring WAY too many funny stories along the way.
By the time our schedules worked out, it was the end of April that we took our trip. We decided to drive, cause Vegas is kind of close and road trips are always fun. We also got a cool hotel room at the Trump tower and had tentative plans to see "The Killers" at the Hard Rock. So we knew we were in for an interesting weekend for sure.
When we arrived in Vegas, three Monsters Energy drinks later, we headed for the "Coke Bottle" by the MGM grand to check out the discount show tickets for the day. We were trying to decide what show to see that evening. Along for the ride, we had two of Becky's friends join us for the weekend. So trying to get 4 opinions of what we wanted to do that evening was a little difficult. As we were discussing our options, I called a friend who is a Ticket Agent and he told me that he can get us "The Cure" VIP tickets at the Palms. Show starts at 8 pm. Ummm..I'm in. I looked at Becky and could tell she wanted to go too. But, the others wanted to relax at the hotel and see something low key that night. I relented because I knew we were going to see The Killers the next night.
We headed for the hotel and relaxed until seeing the "V" show at 9pm that evening. It turned out to be a pretty entertaining show and we ate dinner afterwards. We walked around the strip for awhile and then headed to the hotel for the night. Becky and I stayed up late laughing and enjoying a few nights away from the kids.
The next day we slept in and checked in with the friends. One was heading to the spa while the other was sick and going to spend the day in bed. Yikes. Becky and I headed out to the "Coke Bottle" again to check on tickets. On the way there, I talked with the Ticket Agent friend again to see about "The Killers" tickets. He told me they were last night and we missed them. What?? I swear in my head they were on Saturday night. To add to my pain, I passed on the Cure?? Oh the Agony. I was determined to see a concert that night so we headed to the Hard Rock to see who was playing. Unfortunately, not anyone remotely familiar. In fact I think we would be scared for our safety if we actually went to the concert. The workers at the ticket place told us that this group mostly screamed instead of actually sang. So. Pass.
We finally settled on seeing UB40 at Mandalay Bay, the show starts at 9 pm. Not exactly what I had in mind, but I could live. We headed back to the hotel to spend the afternoon at the pool. Funny, we both have a pool and could lay out any day of the week. But while at the Trump hotel, we need to hang at the pool. After a relaxing afternoon we got ready to head out for dinner and make our way down the strip to the Mandalay Bay. We left our hotel at 5 pm and made it to the Concert by 8:30 pm. Make sure when you are walking the length of the strip that you are wearing sensible shoes. One of the girls with us ended up walking in bare feet!!
The concert started and we were sitting on the beach outside listening to the music and Becky looks over at me and says, "UB40, We Be 40..haha" Perfect Becky, you just came up with the title to my Blog post. Thanks. The concert lasted for about 1 hour and 1/2. The two other friends left before the concert ended to go back to the hotel. Becky and I opted to stay and enjoy it. After the concert we ate at the House of Blues at 12:30 pm. We wandered around the rest of the night/morning trying to find a club that wasn't in existence any more and also tried our luck at the slots. We put a nickel in one of the slots and it only took Game Cards not real money! Fail.
We easily decided to take a Taxi home and laughed at our ineptness at partying in Vegas. We stayed up till 3 re-telling stories that we have told a million times and learned some new ones.
The next morning our friends had breakfast in the hotel, while we slept in. When we met up again, they told us we missed seeing "The Donald" at breakfast. Oh well, I needed my beauty sleep. After goofing around a little bit more, we headed back to AZ, but not without incident. It took us an hour to get through the Hoover Dam. As we were almost through, we got pulled over by Homeland Security to check our car. Obviously, we fit the profile.
I handed my camera to Becky and told her to take a picture of me with the Officer..my Dad would get a kick out of it. I have had a long history of getting pulled over and my Dad has not been amused. As I was outside talking with the Officer, the next thing I know, Becky was asking if he would mind if he posed for a picture with me. What?? I meant for her to take a picture out the window! Anyway, the officer seemed amused and smiled for the camera.
The next thing I knew another officer came up and grabbed the camera and said, "you want to see something funny? I'll show you something funny!" I thought he was going to confiscate our camera..or worse. I froze for a second and he handed me the camera and said, "Here, take a picture!" He made Becky put her hands against the car while he pretended to frisk her. Okay. I took the picture hoping they wouldn't pull a gun on us. We quickly got back into the car, since we just added an extra 5 minutes to the line of cars creeping through the canyon while we had our Kodak moment.
Well, we finally made it home Sunday evening. We came home a little tired, with some blisters on our feet, a sunburn on our noses, regretting not taking the Cure tickets, 2 photo radar tickets to pay (my Dad has a good reason to not be amused) and pictures with Homeland Security. So...yep, our weekend turned out to be interesting. But would do it again next weekend. Anyone??
The Trump Hotel
The Venitian
Paris
Homeland Security and Me
Becky and Homeland Security :)
By the time our schedules worked out, it was the end of April that we took our trip. We decided to drive, cause Vegas is kind of close and road trips are always fun. We also got a cool hotel room at the Trump tower and had tentative plans to see "The Killers" at the Hard Rock. So we knew we were in for an interesting weekend for sure.
When we arrived in Vegas, three Monsters Energy drinks later, we headed for the "Coke Bottle" by the MGM grand to check out the discount show tickets for the day. We were trying to decide what show to see that evening. Along for the ride, we had two of Becky's friends join us for the weekend. So trying to get 4 opinions of what we wanted to do that evening was a little difficult. As we were discussing our options, I called a friend who is a Ticket Agent and he told me that he can get us "The Cure" VIP tickets at the Palms. Show starts at 8 pm. Ummm..I'm in. I looked at Becky and could tell she wanted to go too. But, the others wanted to relax at the hotel and see something low key that night. I relented because I knew we were going to see The Killers the next night.
We headed for the hotel and relaxed until seeing the "V" show at 9pm that evening. It turned out to be a pretty entertaining show and we ate dinner afterwards. We walked around the strip for awhile and then headed to the hotel for the night. Becky and I stayed up late laughing and enjoying a few nights away from the kids.
The next day we slept in and checked in with the friends. One was heading to the spa while the other was sick and going to spend the day in bed. Yikes. Becky and I headed out to the "Coke Bottle" again to check on tickets. On the way there, I talked with the Ticket Agent friend again to see about "The Killers" tickets. He told me they were last night and we missed them. What?? I swear in my head they were on Saturday night. To add to my pain, I passed on the Cure?? Oh the Agony. I was determined to see a concert that night so we headed to the Hard Rock to see who was playing. Unfortunately, not anyone remotely familiar. In fact I think we would be scared for our safety if we actually went to the concert. The workers at the ticket place told us that this group mostly screamed instead of actually sang. So. Pass.
We finally settled on seeing UB40 at Mandalay Bay, the show starts at 9 pm. Not exactly what I had in mind, but I could live. We headed back to the hotel to spend the afternoon at the pool. Funny, we both have a pool and could lay out any day of the week. But while at the Trump hotel, we need to hang at the pool. After a relaxing afternoon we got ready to head out for dinner and make our way down the strip to the Mandalay Bay. We left our hotel at 5 pm and made it to the Concert by 8:30 pm. Make sure when you are walking the length of the strip that you are wearing sensible shoes. One of the girls with us ended up walking in bare feet!!
The concert started and we were sitting on the beach outside listening to the music and Becky looks over at me and says, "UB40, We Be 40..haha" Perfect Becky, you just came up with the title to my Blog post. Thanks. The concert lasted for about 1 hour and 1/2. The two other friends left before the concert ended to go back to the hotel. Becky and I opted to stay and enjoy it. After the concert we ate at the House of Blues at 12:30 pm. We wandered around the rest of the night/morning trying to find a club that wasn't in existence any more and also tried our luck at the slots. We put a nickel in one of the slots and it only took Game Cards not real money! Fail.
We easily decided to take a Taxi home and laughed at our ineptness at partying in Vegas. We stayed up till 3 re-telling stories that we have told a million times and learned some new ones.
The next morning our friends had breakfast in the hotel, while we slept in. When we met up again, they told us we missed seeing "The Donald" at breakfast. Oh well, I needed my beauty sleep. After goofing around a little bit more, we headed back to AZ, but not without incident. It took us an hour to get through the Hoover Dam. As we were almost through, we got pulled over by Homeland Security to check our car. Obviously, we fit the profile.
I handed my camera to Becky and told her to take a picture of me with the Officer..my Dad would get a kick out of it. I have had a long history of getting pulled over and my Dad has not been amused. As I was outside talking with the Officer, the next thing I know, Becky was asking if he would mind if he posed for a picture with me. What?? I meant for her to take a picture out the window! Anyway, the officer seemed amused and smiled for the camera.
The next thing I knew another officer came up and grabbed the camera and said, "you want to see something funny? I'll show you something funny!" I thought he was going to confiscate our camera..or worse. I froze for a second and he handed me the camera and said, "Here, take a picture!" He made Becky put her hands against the car while he pretended to frisk her. Okay. I took the picture hoping they wouldn't pull a gun on us. We quickly got back into the car, since we just added an extra 5 minutes to the line of cars creeping through the canyon while we had our Kodak moment.
Well, we finally made it home Sunday evening. We came home a little tired, with some blisters on our feet, a sunburn on our noses, regretting not taking the Cure tickets, 2 photo radar tickets to pay (my Dad has a good reason to not be amused) and pictures with Homeland Security. So...yep, our weekend turned out to be interesting. But would do it again next weekend. Anyone??
The Trump Hotel
The Venitian
Paris
Homeland Security and Me
Becky and Homeland Security :)
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