Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Another Great Book
A few months ago I was wandering around Barnes and Noble looking for the perfect gift and saw a woman with a book cover and title that peaked my curiosity. So i went searching for it. The title is The Ten Habits of Happy Mothers. I was in a bit of a rush and just bought the book and moved on. Well, it turns out that it's a pretty darn good book! For any busy mom out there wanting a happier, healthier lifestyle this is a great reminder of things you already know but it puts it all in perspective in a easy to read format. It's one of those books that should probably be read about once a year just to make sure the suggestions in the book become habits! Check it out soon!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
New Do!
We've been talking about getting Madelyn's hair cut short for a few months and she was totally up for it except she wanted Mimi to do it. Which is fine but that meant we had to wait for Thanksgiving for that to happen. So while she was visiting, we put her to work!
Look how long it's gotten
First cut
Crazy do
The New Do! Plus my awesome mom! Madelyn loves her new haircut and so do we since it's so easy to comb now!
The New Do! Plus my awesome mom! Madelyn loves her new haircut and so do we since it's so easy to comb now!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
American Girl Doll Dilema
I started this post months and months ago and never published it. I don't really know why. It seems a little silly to me but since the holidays are upon us I thought I would share this story.
Last winter, on the third day in a row of no school due to snow days, I got a little cabin feverish so Madelyn and I went to Oak Park Mall to do what girls do best, shop! Forgetting they have an American Girl Doll store and choosing that entrance to go in was a big mistake. Once we walked by "heaven on earth" for a little girl it was over. Her eyes sparkled, her lips sweetly saying, "pleeeeeze mama, can we pleeeeeze go in there?" I caved.
I admit, I have no idea what the American Girl Doll phenomen is. I read the books as a kid but didn't even know they made dolls. Madelyn has seen the dolls at friends houses and has always wanted one. I've tried to ask her what makes these dolls special and how do you know it is an AG doll. She doesn't really know.
Walking around the beautifully arranged dolls and accessories I was overwhelmed. First you have to pick a doll and then be prepared to drop an arm and a leg on just a doll! Then do you choose one of the characters or create one that looks just like you? The sheer volume of crap these dolls have to go with them is amazing! There is clothing, pajamas, jewelry, furniture, and even dogs. Oh and the dogs have their own accessories. I mean, who seriously thinks up this stuff? And if that's not enough they have their own salon for the dolls and different do's cost different prices!
After cruising through the store both of us were overwhelmed and I was so impressed my little girl looked around and commented on how pretty they all were but never once asked if we could buy one! Yeah, the frugal part of me was thinking I can go purchase a knock off and she'll never know the difference!
And that's where I was wrong. Somehow she is able to tell the difference. Someone at daycare has been bring their AG doll and that has only started Madelyn really wanting one. To which I promptly said they were really expensive and we should probably ask for one from Santa. So we've been bribing for a very long time for good behavior and good manners so that Santa will bring the AG doll.
Normally, I would never spend that much money on a doll. But that is the only toy she has talked about for months and months and she is our only child. So we did it. I drug Matt to the store last week. I giggled as I saw the look on his face after we arrived. I know he wanted to say, "Really, is this what I signed up for." Half way through the visit at the store, he found a couch and sat down. He couldn't handle it. And then at the check out when the super perky store clerk told me that the dolls have real wig hair so we needed the $8 brush to properly take care of their hair, he couldn't contain it. He was laughing so hard all the store clerks were soon laughing at him! Oh the joys!
So we are now proud new owners of Kit. Madelyn looks a lot like her with her new short haircut. And of course we had to get a dog named Sugar because that's Madelyn's nickname. We are so excited to see her face on Christmas morning!
Last winter, on the third day in a row of no school due to snow days, I got a little cabin feverish so Madelyn and I went to Oak Park Mall to do what girls do best, shop! Forgetting they have an American Girl Doll store and choosing that entrance to go in was a big mistake. Once we walked by "heaven on earth" for a little girl it was over. Her eyes sparkled, her lips sweetly saying, "pleeeeeze mama, can we pleeeeeze go in there?" I caved.
I admit, I have no idea what the American Girl Doll phenomen is. I read the books as a kid but didn't even know they made dolls. Madelyn has seen the dolls at friends houses and has always wanted one. I've tried to ask her what makes these dolls special and how do you know it is an AG doll. She doesn't really know.
Walking around the beautifully arranged dolls and accessories I was overwhelmed. First you have to pick a doll and then be prepared to drop an arm and a leg on just a doll! Then do you choose one of the characters or create one that looks just like you? The sheer volume of crap these dolls have to go with them is amazing! There is clothing, pajamas, jewelry, furniture, and even dogs. Oh and the dogs have their own accessories. I mean, who seriously thinks up this stuff? And if that's not enough they have their own salon for the dolls and different do's cost different prices!
After cruising through the store both of us were overwhelmed and I was so impressed my little girl looked around and commented on how pretty they all were but never once asked if we could buy one! Yeah, the frugal part of me was thinking I can go purchase a knock off and she'll never know the difference!
And that's where I was wrong. Somehow she is able to tell the difference. Someone at daycare has been bring their AG doll and that has only started Madelyn really wanting one. To which I promptly said they were really expensive and we should probably ask for one from Santa. So we've been bribing for a very long time for good behavior and good manners so that Santa will bring the AG doll.
Normally, I would never spend that much money on a doll. But that is the only toy she has talked about for months and months and she is our only child. So we did it. I drug Matt to the store last week. I giggled as I saw the look on his face after we arrived. I know he wanted to say, "Really, is this what I signed up for." Half way through the visit at the store, he found a couch and sat down. He couldn't handle it. And then at the check out when the super perky store clerk told me that the dolls have real wig hair so we needed the $8 brush to properly take care of their hair, he couldn't contain it. He was laughing so hard all the store clerks were soon laughing at him! Oh the joys!
So we are now proud new owners of Kit. Madelyn looks a lot like her with her new short haircut. And of course we had to get a dog named Sugar because that's Madelyn's nickname. We are so excited to see her face on Christmas morning!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Venting
I rarely talk about my job on this blog because I would hate for any parents to stumble upon this blog and be upset by anything school related. That being said, I have to vent. I will be leaving out details because I feel it is unfair to the student to say anything more.
Ten years of teaching in low income schools can become emotionally exhausting. Seeing children growing up the way they are, in the homes they are, is hard for me. I often want to wage a war against the parents of these children. That's where I'm at now!
I have this Little Darling, who is 9 years old. She is being neglected, I'd love to tell you more so that you could stand in my army fighting for her, but that's all I can say. I've had parents in for meetings, I've given resources, I've put procedures in place at school to make my Little Darling more successful. And nothing is working. The parents think we are harrassing them and I just want to scream at them to do their f***ing job and I'll stop. I've called SRS a lot this year. I've even sat with "my army" of school personel to make a group SRS phone call. And nothing is working. I just keep getting letters from SRS saying they aren't going to investigate. Now the parents are screening our school phone calls and things are getting worse, a lot worse. I'm about to unleash my wrath on the next person I speak to at SRS! When are they going to do something about this? How bad does it half to be? How could they let this continue happening? If this were their children how would they feel?
Bottom line, our system is broken, it's been broken for years. It's failing our children and I feel helpless.
Ten years of teaching in low income schools can become emotionally exhausting. Seeing children growing up the way they are, in the homes they are, is hard for me. I often want to wage a war against the parents of these children. That's where I'm at now!
I have this Little Darling, who is 9 years old. She is being neglected, I'd love to tell you more so that you could stand in my army fighting for her, but that's all I can say. I've had parents in for meetings, I've given resources, I've put procedures in place at school to make my Little Darling more successful. And nothing is working. The parents think we are harrassing them and I just want to scream at them to do their f***ing job and I'll stop. I've called SRS a lot this year. I've even sat with "my army" of school personel to make a group SRS phone call. And nothing is working. I just keep getting letters from SRS saying they aren't going to investigate. Now the parents are screening our school phone calls and things are getting worse, a lot worse. I'm about to unleash my wrath on the next person I speak to at SRS! When are they going to do something about this? How bad does it half to be? How could they let this continue happening? If this were their children how would they feel?
Bottom line, our system is broken, it's been broken for years. It's failing our children and I feel helpless.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Pause for Reflection
I love the holiday season, it is so warm and friendly and it's also a great time to pause and take a little time for reflection. Looking back at myself last year, I was unhappy, irritable, sad, and very quiet. Both my professional and personal life had me frustrated beyond belief and I had a very bleak outlook for the future. And although things were rough, with a lot of heartache and a little faith I'm in a good place now. Actually, not just a good place, a better place than in years. I have many things this Thanksgiving that I give thanks for:
1. To my husband: I've shared half of my life with you and this provides a kind of comfortablity that is necessary for a shy girl like me. You know it all about me, the good, the bad, and the ugly and you don't judge me for it. You push me, sometimes I don't like it, but I know it's good for me. You provide for our family, sometimes I really resent how much you work so I constantly have to remind myself you do it for us. You make me laugh and lighten my sometimes very serious mood. The struggles we've had have taught us valuable lessons, most importantly never take each other for granted.
2. To my mom: I love you. You attempted to raise Courtney and I basically by yourself while trying to hold down the fascade of a happy family. You taught us to be strong, independent women who could do anything a man could do and do it better. You taught us to cook, a skill which I find necessary each day. You taught us about forgiveness, even when it isn't deserved. You taught us the importance of friendship. I admire your strength and courage as you embark on a new journey.
3. To Madelyn: You taught me how to be a better person. Words don't express how much I love your little chubby cheeks and funny little personality. You amaze me with your knowledge and zest for life. I love that your girlie and yet sporty too. You love animals and reading which truly warms my heart. I hope that your life is full happiness and adventure. I love being your mom.
4. Faith: My relationship with God is something I've put on the back burner for years and often add it to my New Year's Resolution. But this year was different, I needed faith. I cannot begin to tell you how hard it is to lean on God through the rough patches when you have no faith. Fortunately, He is awesome and showed me the way. While going to church regularly is still a stretch for me I do read from the bible and spend time praying each day. I attribute my new found faith to much of the strength I've had to have throughout the year.
5. Our Family and Friends: Matt and I are blessed with lots of extended family and several different circles of friends. I would consider most of them the kind you could call in the middle of the night and they would come running to our rescue still dressed in their pj's. You all bring different strengths and qualities to our relationship. I wish that each of our busy lives allowed us more time for friends and I love each and everyone of you.
6. Our Health: We are so fortunate that God continues to bless each of us with good health both physically and emotionally. Over the past year the diagnosis of thyroid disease and Polycistic Ovarian Syndrome nearly sent me over the edge, I am thankful that both of those are fully treatable with a couple of prescriptions. We continue to hope that another baby will be in our future.
7. My Job: Honestly last year was rough, like "I should find a new career" kind of rough. And although things aren't perfect this year, I do have a beautiful class. I am enjoying them more than I have a class in a long while. I love that my job has security and offers my family some flexibility.
8. Our First Thankgiving Success: This year we hosted our families at our house and a success it was! Wonderful company with lots of quality time, good conversations, and lots of laughs. The food, oh the food. Beautifully smoked turkey done by my wonderful husband, all the fixings and side dishes to go with it, and spiked apple/pear cider. And then there was the desserts. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, turtle cheesecake, and blueberry marble cheesecake, all of which were purely decadent. We even did a little Black Friday shopping. It was a lovely weekend!
There are many more things that I am thankful for including all of those that read this blog. Here's to a wonderful holiday season!
1. To my husband: I've shared half of my life with you and this provides a kind of comfortablity that is necessary for a shy girl like me. You know it all about me, the good, the bad, and the ugly and you don't judge me for it. You push me, sometimes I don't like it, but I know it's good for me. You provide for our family, sometimes I really resent how much you work so I constantly have to remind myself you do it for us. You make me laugh and lighten my sometimes very serious mood. The struggles we've had have taught us valuable lessons, most importantly never take each other for granted.
2. To my mom: I love you. You attempted to raise Courtney and I basically by yourself while trying to hold down the fascade of a happy family. You taught us to be strong, independent women who could do anything a man could do and do it better. You taught us to cook, a skill which I find necessary each day. You taught us about forgiveness, even when it isn't deserved. You taught us the importance of friendship. I admire your strength and courage as you embark on a new journey.
3. To Madelyn: You taught me how to be a better person. Words don't express how much I love your little chubby cheeks and funny little personality. You amaze me with your knowledge and zest for life. I love that your girlie and yet sporty too. You love animals and reading which truly warms my heart. I hope that your life is full happiness and adventure. I love being your mom.
4. Faith: My relationship with God is something I've put on the back burner for years and often add it to my New Year's Resolution. But this year was different, I needed faith. I cannot begin to tell you how hard it is to lean on God through the rough patches when you have no faith. Fortunately, He is awesome and showed me the way. While going to church regularly is still a stretch for me I do read from the bible and spend time praying each day. I attribute my new found faith to much of the strength I've had to have throughout the year.
5. Our Family and Friends: Matt and I are blessed with lots of extended family and several different circles of friends. I would consider most of them the kind you could call in the middle of the night and they would come running to our rescue still dressed in their pj's. You all bring different strengths and qualities to our relationship. I wish that each of our busy lives allowed us more time for friends and I love each and everyone of you.
6. Our Health: We are so fortunate that God continues to bless each of us with good health both physically and emotionally. Over the past year the diagnosis of thyroid disease and Polycistic Ovarian Syndrome nearly sent me over the edge, I am thankful that both of those are fully treatable with a couple of prescriptions. We continue to hope that another baby will be in our future.
7. My Job: Honestly last year was rough, like "I should find a new career" kind of rough. And although things aren't perfect this year, I do have a beautiful class. I am enjoying them more than I have a class in a long while. I love that my job has security and offers my family some flexibility.
8. Our First Thankgiving Success: This year we hosted our families at our house and a success it was! Wonderful company with lots of quality time, good conversations, and lots of laughs. The food, oh the food. Beautifully smoked turkey done by my wonderful husband, all the fixings and side dishes to go with it, and spiked apple/pear cider. And then there was the desserts. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, turtle cheesecake, and blueberry marble cheesecake, all of which were purely decadent. We even did a little Black Friday shopping. It was a lovely weekend!
There are many more things that I am thankful for including all of those that read this blog. Here's to a wonderful holiday season!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Awesome Read
Friday, November 18, 2011
Soccer Again
We decided to attempt soccer again this year! We formed a team with the same friends that we played with in the past and if you don't remember how that season went, click here.
This season was success! Our kids were older, stronger, wiser, and followed directions so much better. Madelyn loved it! She jumped out of the car each time, ran way across the field to find her team, and left Matt and I in the dust! So much progress! She evened scored a goal the first game!!
Most of the time she was totally into the game and went after the ball at every chance. Sometimes she got a little distracted singing or watching her friends.
When it wasn't their turn to play, Gabby and Madelyn cheered on their teammates, loudly, very loudly!
Baby Evelyn, chillin at the game kept her mommy running out onto the field after her most days. She just wanted to keep up with the big kids!
Playing goalie, not our strongest position, but she enjoyed it.
Our whole team did so much better this season listening and following directions. We even got to practice plays!
Look at that stride!
The Girls, Gabby, Lilly, and Madelyn. They have so much fun together! To many more successful sporting seasons together!
Most of the time she was totally into the game and went after the ball at every chance. Sometimes she got a little distracted singing or watching her friends.
When it wasn't their turn to play, Gabby and Madelyn cheered on their teammates, loudly, very loudly!
Baby Evelyn, chillin at the game kept her mommy running out onto the field after her most days. She just wanted to keep up with the big kids!
Playing goalie, not our strongest position, but she enjoyed it.
Our whole team did so much better this season listening and following directions. We even got to practice plays!
Look at that stride!
The Girls, Gabby, Lilly, and Madelyn. They have so much fun together! To many more successful sporting seasons together!
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