Spring Break: Clean or Consequences

My goal for Spring Break was to have a MUCH cleaner home - not just decluttered but really CLEAN. But, with two boys to entertain and to keep from grumbling while cleaning, I needed a plan! Thus was born the weeklong game of "Spring Break: Clean or Consequences!".
The idea WAS to have a gameboard and actual game-type cards, etc. but I planned too late and had a karate tournament to sit through the day before we started. So, we went with a modified version for this first year and just pulled the activity cards out of a paper back and we're tracking the rewards in our heads.

To start, I wrote down all the things I wanted to get done around the house. For reference I suggest breaking them up into 15 to 30 minute tasks (see below for why I suggest this...). Instead of "Clean bedrooms" you might have: 1) Pickup clothes & toys, 2) Vacuum/Sweep floor, 3) Dust furniture, and 4) Make beds. Repeat card-making for all rooms and tasks you think you can complete in one week. If certain tasks are dependent on others (you can't vacuum until all the clothes and toys are picked up, for instance) leave them out of the game until they can be done.

I also needed rewards and consequences to make this a "game" for my 10-yr-old boys (everything is a game at this age!). Mine tended to run towards money but use whatever works for your kids. If they can earn money in one reward, you should have an equal consequence of losing money...or break time, or an extra snack, etc. We also have "Remove one consequence" rewards - sort of like a "Get out of jail free card" in Monopoly.

To make it even more fun, we added some "race" activities - like clean bedrooms, pick up office/playroom, scrub tub/toilets (guess which one mom has to do...). The kids work as a team against mom. If they win, they get an extra reward. If mom wins, they have to do an activitiy without mom helping.

We set a daily deadline for getting clean cards completed - our deadline was 1 pm every day. So, we spend the morning cleaning and if we succeed then they have the afternoon for playing and "daily awards". They take turns pulling cards so there's fairness and mom can't stack the deck (dumb rule that *I* set). We set a time limit for the activity to be completed within and hit it hard. If they do it without complaining and within the limit THEY helped set, they get the reward and a 10 minute break. If we don't, no reward and only a 5 minute break. We try to get as many cards completed by the daily deadline as possible.

Overall, I promised them $20 for a week of good hard cleaning. They can lose money for consequences and possibly earn it back with rewards. They can't go over $20 or under $0.

My thought was this would make the cleaning go easier with time limits and deadlines, they would actually get rewards instead of nagging, just the threat of a consequence card makes them work harder, and I'm happy because the house would look better without (many) arguments. Here's how it turned out:

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DAY 1: LAUNDRY
So, because it's hard to get ANYTHING done with that mound of insanity piled up in bedrooms and the laundry room, this day was devoted to getting as much cleaned and put away as possible. Plus, I had to take Travis to the doctor, so the day was sort of off kilter anyway. AND it was nice to just have a down day overall - we all needed a mental health day. :) So, the game didn't really start today, but we got things ready and they got an understanding of the games. I also learned that NOT using the word "CHORE" but rather "ACTIVITY" helped their mental reaction to what we are doing.

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DAY 2: TWO TASKS
I didn't follow my own advice and had "Clean Bedrooms" as one all-encompassing task. Took us over 90 miunutes to get two bedrooms cleaned. UGH. But, SO much better now! It was also a race and they beat me pretty handily so they won a reward. But then they came in an helped me finish (without being asked!), earning them an extra reward. We also pulled the "Pack up books" card and got *6* boxes of books out to the garage. Then we reorganized the book case and it looks so much better!

Consquences: NONE
Rewards: Each boy pulled some money rewards and Son #1 got a "Take a 10-miute break" card - which he saved until day 3.
Daily Award: Cosmic Golf at the Great Mall of the Great Plains plus Topsy's popcorn.

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DAY 3: FIVE TASKS!
After the "clean bedrooms" craziness I redid a few cards to make the tasks smaller. We ended up completing these tasks:

• Declutter Living Room
• Declutter Dining Room
• Clean Figurines / Reorganize Art Supplies - RACE! (They won, again!)
• Vacuum Hallway
• Vacuum Bedrooms

Now, I've thrown the "Wash DR Walls", "Wash LR Walls", "Vacuum LR", and "Mop DR floor" into the deck for tomorrow. :)

Consequences: NONE! Although, we came close with the art supplies time until they remembered it was a race and mom was close to beating them.
Rewards: Again, money and snacks. Plus Son #2 pulled TWO break cards and has 15 minutes to take on Day 4.
Daily Award: Subway picnic lunch at the park with a photo shoot on the playset then a 2-mile (30 minute!) walk in the woods.

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DAY 4: AMAZING DAY!
Wow, this was a day for some CRAZY cleaning! We accomplished:

• Washed the walls in the dining room and the hallway (lots of little boy handprints to be removed)
• Revacuumed the hallway, bedrooms & living room - apparently the bag was full on Wednesday. :)
• Scrubbed the bathroom floor. This one was all mom. And it wasn't as bad as I  feared!
• Dusted the living room furtniture - this was hte boys while I did the bathroom.
• Swept the dining room and kitchen floors - again, the boys while I continued to tackle the bathroom floor.
• More laundry and dishes
• Started removing wallpaper in boys room in painting anticipation
• Moved boys furniture around from original layout we set up 7 years ago! And that stuff is HEAVY!

Consequences: NONE!
Rewards: Boys decided they really didn't need the rewards to keep doing good things. YAY!
Daily Award: Headed over to my friend's house for a few hours. Her husband volunteered to create a chess-based mural for the boys' walls. He and the boys discussed that while she and I discussed her newly painted walls and colors for my bathroom. Then her son and the boys played outside while we drank some wine.

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DAY 5: NOTHING DAY
Ok, I admit. I gave up long before the boys did. I was SO tired from everything all week and I just wanted a break. So we took the day off and did NOTHING. At least until 3pm when I started to feel guilty so I hit the boys room to finish stripping the border from their room. Boys chilled out on the Wii for (too many) hours. And they fought more today than any other day this week. Hmmm...lesson to be learned? Keep them busy with work and planned activities rather than let them handle things themselves!

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Conclusion: GREAT GAME!
The kids were really positive about this endeavor / experiment! They've told other people about  it and they keep telling me we should make it a real game. Guess that's my next "activity"... :)

4th Graders!

Boys have entered the high ranks of elementary school - 4th grade! With homework (they get REAL textbooks to carry this year I'm told!), football, karate and piano, this fall will be jam packed and full of fun. I'm hoping they have a reading club again and maybe a running club - need to get in touch with the PE teacher. They are ready to learn and spend time with friends they missed over the summer.

Here's to a new school year full of fun and learning!

Conversations with Kids

RETIREMENT PLAN FROM THOMAS
A recent car conversation went like this...

• Travis: Do artists make a lot of money?
• Mom: Sometimes. Depends on what they paint or make.
• Thomas: Really? That could be good. I like art.
• Mom: It's a lot of work. And sometimes you don't become famous and people don't buy the art until after you die.
• (long pause where you could hear the wheels turning in their heads)
• Thomas: ok, I have it. I'll do a regular job and then when I'm 99 I'll become an artist really fast, get famous cuz I'll die soon and then my grandkids will have lots of money! Everyone should do this!

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ACRONYMS WITH TRAVIS
Travis wanted to figure out the meanings to some acronyms that he's heard recently. Here's some of the best 8-year-old answers he gave before we told him the real meanings:

• SWAT = Sweet Weapons and Tactics (he knows it's Special, but he prefers Sweet)
• CSI = Criminal Science Animals (yeah, he can't spell very well yet...)
• NCIS = National Crime In Science
• CIA = Crimes In America
• NASA = No Air in Space Association
• USPS = Daddy's Work!
• KSU = K-State University (but he couldn't tell us what the K was for...)

Once we explained the K in KSU was for Kansas, we of course asked, "If K is for Kansas, what is KU for?" And this garnered our absolute favorite answer...

KU is for Suckers!

I kid you not, no prep or coercion. He just KNOWS! :)

Thank you Disney!

WARNING: Mommy Rant...(and maybe some movie spoilers if you've lived in a cave all your life)

I'm annoyed by an article a friend of mine shared (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1308584/Why-does-Disney-hate-parents-Ever-noticed-favourite-films-kill-Mum-Dad-.html) and I have to write it out.

In this article, the author essentially talks about how Disney hates parents and always kills them off. The author doesn't seem to consider that maybe, just maybe, one of the most traumatic things a child could endure is the loss of a parent and overcoming that loss is an wonderful achievement in a child's life and a testimony to the love of others in the face of grief. In the movies she references, none of the characters succumbs to despair and depression, but rather learns to live a positive life in the face of such tragedy. I think this is a rather good thing to teach children before they might have to experience it themselves.

The movies she mentions may have only one or even no "biological" parents, but does that mean the child was left alone to learn their way in the world with no love and guidance? NO! In every Disney movie, she mentions there is a true caregiver of some sort. For instance:

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Toy Story - Andy definitely has a mom, a sister and of course the wonderful toys. There's an assumption that she's a single parent, but no proof of that (you just might never see dad). And poor Andy is so hurt by having only one parent that instead of simply throwing his very old very childish toys in the trash he lovingly saves them over the years and eventually makes sure they find a home where THEY will be loved and cherished. Oh...wait...
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Bambi - yes he tragically lost his mommy by the mean old hunter and I don't think we ever know what happened to dad (been awhile since I saw this one). But he had Thumper and Flower to befriend and show him the world.
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The Lion King - yes, we all know that dad dies tragically but he is still THERE for the little cub up in the stars. And of course mom is there; it's the kid that runs away. But honestly, who wouldn't want to be raised by Timon & Pumba? Hakuna Matata might not the best way to deal with all things in life, but we could all use a little more of that. Eventually Simba learns to be a man, face his mistakes (which weren't even his!) and returns to lead his pride with...pride.
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Peter Pan - Peter RAN AWAY as a baby because he didn't want to grow up. Wendy's parents were both there technically. But, through each other they learned that growing up may not be a horrible thing and that grown ups could be trusted.
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Finding Nemo - Marlin might have been a little neurotic, but whose parents aren't some times? Plus, when placed in the tank, the other fish looked out for him (mostly). And of course Marlin never gives up looking for little Nemo, he just keeps swimming, just keeps swimming, swimming swimming swimming....
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Dumbo - this poor elephant probably had it the worst of any Disney character. He definitely had the most confusing life but he never gives up, has a great mouse friend (talk about learning acceptance!) and eventually reuintes with his wonderful mommy. Oh, and he gets to see pink elephants on parade(this part might not be the most kid friendly but it does open the doors for conversations on drinking...)
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Tarzan - orphaned when his parents are killed by a wild animal, he's raised by a shrewdness of apes. Animals that should have killed him choose to raise him and raise him right - into a strong caring leader. Then of course he also has Jane, who teaches him to read and write and even walk upright. She helps him become a man.
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The author takes an extremely cynical view on why Disney creates so many movies without parents:

"Might the company - and its output - be a true reflection of our disparate society and the obvious disintegration of the traditional nuclear family? Or might it be the other way around? Might Disney have played its own part in the demise of family values given that we - and our children - have fallen for this wholesome entertainment for decades? If nothing else, Disney stands accused of failing to honour that most sacred of bonds - that of the mother and the father to their children."

Personally, I don't think family always means two biological parents and 2.5 kids. Lives can end tragically, without or without choices. "Family" can be grandparents, aunts and  uncles, friends and neighbors, church members and sometimes even church mice, sweet dogs and fluffy kitties. Values don't come from having two parents in the house - they could just as easily be alcoholic druggie sadists! Family values come from love and wanting to do the right thing and from people teaching respect, sense of self, honor, trust, and other positive character traits to the next generation.

This isn't something we've been taught to do by movies or have adopted as "ok" by being brain-washed by movies. Personally, my grandparents were huge in my upbringing and are two of the most loving and wonderful people I've ever known. Specifcally, I lived with them for two years as my mom thought it was safer to be with them than to go to a high school where my step-dad was stationed. She was probably right and I'm glad she made that choice for me.

I was also influenced by individuals in my churches and the parents of my friends as well as my teachers and coaches. I know people who were raised by single parents, siblings, grandparents, and even adoptive and foster parents and they have all turned out to be wonderful, bright, healthy individuals.

While I wouldn't mind seeing a few more movies where it's a little more like Pleasantville, I think we can learn a lot from Disney movies - how to respect our selves, our elders, the planet and its animals; love is loyalty, caring, respect and trust; tragedy happens and we can overcome with love and strong sense of self; and cynicism gets you nothing but sadness and loneliness. The "most sacred of bonds" doesn't come from blood, it comes from love.

To that end, I suggest that author review her own cynical view before she gives that "value" to her own children. Then, maybe she can enjoy Disney movies for what they should be - family entertainment with many good values.

Any Church Recommendations??

Hi all!!

I am looking for recommendations for a non-denom. / Christian church in the greater KC area, preferably one within Johnson County, KS. I am uncomfortable returning to my old church again but definitely feel something is missing in my life - as I have for the last year!

I prefer one on the smaller side with a good kids setup. I'm definitely a "hands-in-the-air, stand-up and WORSHIP" kind of gal, so I need a place I can comfortably do that. I used to lead worship for Children's Church and would very much like to get back into doing that - or even singing with the adult worship leaders. A church that has small groups isn't as big a necessity for me, as I usually can't join them, but short-term Bible studies are good, as well as regular church gatherings.

Truly welcome any and all recommendations! Please just let me know the name of the church, where they're located and why you believe someone (read: *I*) would feel at home there!

Thanks!

Crazy full fun day with the kiddos

Today started off with Travis up at 6:30 - and for once I didn't get annoyed with him being the early bird! (Although Emily did, cuz he climbed up to her bed if she was still here...)

Once I got everyone roused and dressed, we started the day off with doughnuts and chocolate milk from Krispy Kreme. The boys each ate two doughnuts and Emily had a kreme filled and a chocolate cake - just ORDERING all the chocolate made me not want any, so I had a strawberry creme and saved the blueberry cake for later (in the box we brought home with the extras for daddy).

Then, we went to get the oil changed (not fun for today, but necessary to do the canoe trip next weekend!). They said it would be an hour before we'd be done, and at least 45 minutes before they'd be ready to talk to me about what to do on the van. So, we walked to Burlington (same strip mall/shopping centre) and browsed about (no purchases, just sussing out what's possible for back-to-school). we got back only 30 minutes later and they said "we're just about done..." - WTH? Oh well, no annoying "you really need to get this done on your van" convos this time! It always costs more than I want since it's a minivan (more oil) with high mileage (special oil). But, once a quarter isn't bad fr this.

We decided to kill the rest of the morning at the park, but it was PACKED with bikers and kids and possibly a family reunion. So, instead we dropped the van at the house and walked to the boys' school (about 1/2 mile - UPHILL). We played on the school equipment for about 20 minutes, after Travis gave me a full tour of the facilities ("these are the bars where people try to do flips or just climb on top", "this wheel makes a LOT of noise when you spin it", "these are the racer slides" - you get the idea). The favorite apparatus was either the curvy monkey bars (both boys can get all the way across unassisted, but Trav can do it with just one hand per bar!) or the parallel bars where they play "Fuzzy Taco". Yeah - don't ask on the name, we have NO IDEA. However, the boys taught me and Emily to play and it's FUN! And one heck of a workout! [Ask me and I'll try to explain it to you...]

After Em & I nearly got wrapped up trying to double jump in the single jump rope we found, we saw it was already 12:20. We all had to hurry back down the 1/2 mile to the house to grab the van and rush to get sissy to work on time; she works at the "kiddie pool" in the concession stand or front desk. We made it with about 5 minutes to spare (wipe sweat from forehead).

The boys and I then headed over to watch "Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince". I had to warn them several times that it was a much longer movie than they were used to and there were some slow parts, but they still couldn't talk or move around. Movie was pretty full, but not as bad as I expected for a first weekend Saturday afternoon. We had sodas and a large popcorn to help us through the time. :-) They really liked it but had a lot of questions - some expected since they are only 7, some because the move wasn't all that clear in places. I will post another page with my thoughts on the movie...

We decided it wasn't really that warm, but we'd still try swimming at "Sissy's Pool" anyway - mostly to harass sissy! So we grabbed our suits and towels back home and headed over to the kiddie pool. We harassed sissy a little and then got to swimming. This was my first time there and it' not a bad little pond! The boys go there once a week with camp. After about 90 minutes though, I'd had enough and I was REALLY hungry for some fairly real food after realizing that our lunch was the large popcorn and we hadn't eaten since the doughnuts!

We said bye to Emily and headed over to get dinner. McDonald's was out as an option, even though that would have made the day "perfect" in the boys' eyes. I decided the boys could use a few veggies after all the crap today and they really like Subway, so we headed there. Eating out simply meant I hadn't had to cook or clean ALL DAY - YAY ME!

After eating dinner we chilled for awhile watching the end of Shrek and part of a Pirates movie (Black Pearl I think). I shooed them to bed at 8:30, both of them whining that they weren't tired but both asleep before I turned off the light! I'm currently enjoying the REST of the Pirates movie while typing this happy list.

SO -

While it might not have been the HEALTHIEST or CHEAPEST day, it was a really FUN day with the kiddos. Limited fighting, nice weather, silly games and just reconnecting. They'll have to eat lots of fruit and veggies over the next few days, I'll have to attack the cleaning (dishes, laundry, yard, etc.) pretty hard tomorrow, and we all have to swear off extra expenditures until the next payday, but all in all I think it was worth it! :-)

Watch Your Popcorn!

I went to drop the boys off for school this morning and was hampered by a fire truck - lights and sirens going like crazy. Thought they were going PAST the school, but instead they turned INTO the school. Uh oh...

Then I noticed the 300 or so kids out on the lawn laughing and waving at the firemen. Weird they were all outside with backpacks, etc. Thought maybe the truck was there for some end-of-the-year thing with the kids and that it was just poor timing that they came during drop-off.

However, the kids started going back into the building without playing around the truck or talking to the firemen, so then I figured it was a false alarm (those silly fifth-graders pulling a graduation prank...) Dropped the boys off and continued on my way and didn't really think about it after.

But, I just received an email from the principal with this message:

"This morning, prior to arrival, an over-cooked bag of popcorn caused our fire alarms to sound. We immediately evacuated the building and waited for the Fire Department to arrive. [They]reviewed the source and concluded that the building was safe. Students and staff were allowed to resume their day."

POPCORN? Really? Ok then.

At least it was an interesting and somewhat entertaining start to the day! :-)

The Next Survivor Series

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!

A friend sent me this in an email and I couldn't resist posting it here (or adding a few 'rules' of my own). Leave me comment if you want to sign up (or if you want to sign up your spouse!) This is definitely a reailty show I'd watch!
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• Six men will be dropped on an island, each with one car and 3 kids, for six weeks.
• Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.
• Each man must do all of the following:
• Take care of his 3 kids
• Keep his assigned house clean
• Correct all homework, and complete science projects
• Cook 3 meals a day (there is NO fast food!)
• Do laundry and help put together outfits (always knowing where shoes and jackets are located)
• Pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money. In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries and gas each week.
• Each man must remember the birthdays, anniversaires and holidays for all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing!
• Extra points will be given for cards that include pictures taken in the last month of all three kids, appropriately labeled with name, date and reason for picture (ie, first soccer game, 3rd piano recital, etc.)
• Each man must also take each child to at least one doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.
• Each man will have his car breakdown at least once (causes for breakdown being anything from out of gas, to a "funny sound in the engine" to an actual wreck - where no one is hurt of course!). Breakdown will occur when it is the most inconvenient for him.
• Each man must make a cake, cookies or brownies for a social function.
• Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.
• The men will only have access to a television or a computer when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.
• The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.
• Extra points will be given to men who also wear an age-appropriate yet still sexy dress at least twice a week and keep an even tan.
• During at least one (and possibly two) of the six weeks, each man will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.
• Each man must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once per week to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
• Each man will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 8:00 am.
• All the above must be completed while working in either a full- (preferably) or part-time job to assist in the family income.
• A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information:
• each child's middle name and birthday
• each child's height and weight, shoe size and clothes size
• pediatrician's name and phone number
• each child's weight and length at birth, time of birth and length of labour
• each child's favorite snack & favorite drink
• each child's favorite color, favorite song & favorite toy
• trivial details about each child's favorite activity/hobby/current obsession
  (i.e. Bakugan rules and monsters or the plot and characters in 'Twilight')
• each child's biggest fear and what makes them laugh the most
• what each child's wants to be when they grow up

The last man wins only if he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right to be called MOM!

Crazy Boys

I haven't posted in awhile, mostly cuz life is just everyday normal right now. nothing good or bad going on, just existing and floating right now.

However, my boys decided they needed to be crazy one night. Travis was channeling Jason and Thomas was...well...just crazy.

Hope these bring a laugh to your day as they did to ours!

Travis as a future serial killer I think.
Either that, or this was supposed to be a SWAT mask -
he really DOES want to be a cop!

We honestly had NO idea was Tom was doing!
Travis came out in his mask and we laughed
so Tom had to "one up" I think.
Yes, that's his shirt on his legs and his pants on his head.
Crazy, no??

Red Ball

Red Ball was last Friday night and it was MUCH better the second time around. Better flow, better service (worse food), great entertainment and really cool live auction process - those guys were into it!

Red Ball is a black tie gala to benefit the American Red Cross Greater Kansas City Chapter. If you're in the Kansas City area, you should attend this next February!

View more about the event here:
http://www.redballkc.org/

View my photos here:

2009 event

2008 event

View Ramsey's video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP4S0oof60Y

Wow.

My babies are going to be 7 years old on Saturday. How did that happen?

It really doesn't feel like that long ago that I was carrying two baby carriers into church (occasionally pushing the double stroller in, cuz I just couldn't handle both at one time alone) and watching them curl around each other in one crib. Now, we're breaking up fights over Bakugan and telling them they can't watch Sponge Bob anymore.

We've gone from painting their big toes to tell them apart to them automatically correcting us when we get the names wrong. (yes, I can't tell my own kids apart sometimes - they're a little too identical at times!)

They've gone from learning to walk to being told to quit running through the house.

They've gone from not being able to talk to singing their own made-up songs, yelling in celebration at sporting events and reading above current grade level.

I used to worry about making sure they were treated as "individuals" by teachers and even strangers and now I just wish they'd learn to share and not worry about what's "theirs".

They're such wonderful little boys and yet some days I wish I had my babies back. Wish that I could go back and fix some of the things I know I did wrong. Wish I could pick them both up at the same time and rock them to sleep. Heck, sometimes I'd just like to go back a couple years where I could pick ONE of them up!

I'm not really sure how we've gotten 7 years in the future already. It's just amazing to me. So, let's not mention how it is that I'll be 35 in a few weeks. I really don't want to know where all THOSE years have gone...

25 Things About Me

On Facebook there's this viral thing going around where you write 25 random things about yourself then tag 25 friends to do the same. Sort of like those "get to know me" emails that go around several times a year, only slightly more open and less spammy.

So, here's my 25 things. Which will post to FB from my blog. Then I'll tag people on the uploaded copy. Two birds with one post. Nice... :-)

1. I love the Style & Bravo networks. This item is only #1 cuz I have it on right now and i didn't know how to start this list. Clean House is my favorite, mostly because I wish they'd come to MY house!

2. I had a falling out with my church back in July and am finally getting up the nerve to address it with an elder. The reasons for me leaving aren't necessarily what they think (or what I think they think it is). It's really because when it all came down to brass tacks, I was told I wasn't good enough to serve my God. And what hurt more was that God let them say that. I stopped talking to Him for awhile, too. But, since I'm back talking to Him, I'm going to give them a chance as well. If things don't go well, I'm going to try really hard not to let it depress me too far again - crying for days on end is not good for the soul.

3. I miss playing the trombone. I played it for 9 years and it was actually one of my majors at Miami of Ohio. Music Performance. I think the trombone is a somewhat disrespected instrument in that it's not a "main" instrument in many groups, but yet it is SO versatile. I wish I could have kept at it and had a chance to be in a group such as Bonearama. I'm afraid to see what it would sound like now - probably a dying moose. Hopefully, one of my boys will want to play it and I can live vicariously. :-) (For the record, my daughter plays the flute - the freakin' flute. That's just so WRONG!)

4. I've been told on several occasions that I come across as "aggressive" and sometimes "a little scary". Which is really kind of confusing and painful. Cuz I'm not, really. I know what I want or what would really work in situations and I hate waiting around for others to come around to my point of view simply because they're frustrated I got there a lot faster than they did.

5. My cat scares me sometimes. He just sits and stares. Worse than a stalker really. But, he's really just a puff ball, so I have to laugh at myself!

6. I always wanted to be a REAL cheerleader. I didn't make the squad in 7th grade and in a small town like Court House it wasn't easy to get on after that. Especially when you have to move away for 8th & 9th grade. But, I did get to be the mascot for awhile during basketball season. And I got to play a cheerleader on stage for awhile at my church. Still not the same though!

7. I've lived in 6 different states - SC (where I was born), TN, OH, RI, MO and KS. My parents lived in Chicago for awhile and I got to live there for one summer as well, but I don't really count that as it was just like a really loooong visit!

8. In those 6 states I lived in 21 different homes. Yeah. 21. Most were in Ohio, but each state had at least 2 homes each, except TN (I think there was only one there!).

9. I love to travel but don't like to fly. Which makes travel outside the US fairly difficult. I had a travel job for awhile and I had to fly to various parts of the country every other weekend. I think that's when the sensitivity to varying air pressure and severe sinus pressure headaches began. My head is now more effective than a barometer at detecting weather patterns (which is extremely helpful yet annoying while living in KS...).

10. Elton John is my favorite artist. I've seen him 7 times in concert, including the opening of the Sprint Center here in KC last October. He needs to come back again!

11. I'm a huge fan of Jeff Dunham and his band of merry dummies. You have to like ventriloquists, some heavy innuendo and swear words to really get him. But, he's hysterical, trust me! I missed him when he came to KC in December, but I hope to catch him live someday!

12. I love the fact that I had twins, although I'm still not prepared to raise them - it's nothing like raising singletons which is all I was prepared to do. I'm probably the only person I know who never wanted twins. But, since I have an almost OCD-like need for things to be equal and even, it was definitely a God thing that I GOT twins. And after I did a project in an anthropology class on "Twins in American Society", I understand them and our fascination with them so much better!

13. I've written the outline, 1st chapter and ending to at least 20 novel concepts. That's it. No insides. I love to write, but once I know the beginning and end and the basic plot, I'm not interested in completing the story anymore. Well, that, and I'm really bad at character development and dialogue. I can see and hear it all in my head but it never translates right to paper or 'puter. Would love to take time to finish ONE and see if it can be as good finished as it is in my head!

14. One day I hope to figure out what I'd like to be when I grow up. I've gone through so many potential majors in college and so many other options it makes people's heads spin. And I've made a career (so far) of being one hell of a "jack of all trades" - at least in the business world. I would really like to figure out what my true calling is however. Parents, beware. When you tell your kids they can be "anything they want" it helps to give some parameters and focus or they'll end up like me! :-) My current potential careers are masseuse or sign language interpreter. Researching both educational avenues...

15. I currently have 9 books piled on my bed. Yes, reading them all in snippets. Or, rather, re-reading 6 of them, learning from one (on women's running) and only 2 new.

16. I'm really a "glass half-full" kind of person. Especially when I look at other people's lives and troubles. I'm pretty good at helping people slow down and look at a situation (post-venting) and see the beautiful silver lining that's always at the edges. I just can't do that for myself very well (see #17...).

17. I'm not a really "happy" or content person. My husband used to tell me I was afraid to be happy (til I snarled at him). Maybe that comes from moving around so much as a kid - getting used to a place and people and then being made to give it up. No - this is not a "it's all my parents fault" kind of thing. Just a reality of me. I was hurt a lot in my life by careless words and sarcasm that sarcasm is now my defense and I keep most people at arms length and only tell them silly stuff like this list. I'd like to be happier and more content with my life, but it's just so damn scary sometimes!

18. I miss Teri and Kim every day. They are my Ohio BFFs and my oldest BFFs. Teri and I have been friends since 2nd grade (27 years for those keeping track) and Kim and I have known each other for 15 years (is that right?!). You girls rock and the 700 miles between us makes friendship hard sometimes (although sometimes it makes it easier, too!). I hope to see you again this year!

19. I love hippos. At least, the stuffed variety. I have a collection of about 30 (at least) and I get 3 - 5 new ones each year between my b-day, Mother's Day and Christmas. However, I watched a show on Hippos today on Animal Planet and I don't think I like real hippos so much! They're actually pretty scary and gross. But the stuffed ones? Bring 'em on! :)

20. I really want to get a tattoo. Probably on my right shoulder. Penelope trying to escape from Pepe le Pew's hold. If you really know me, you'll completely get this! :-) Unfortunately, the hubs isn't about getting ink. So, it probably won't happen while he's kicking. And after there wouldn't be as much of a point. *sigh*

21. I'm currently about 30-40 lbs overweight, depending on the scale, date and which height/weight comparison I'm going by at the time. For those who knew me in school and before the kids, feel free to be astonished right now. But, I'm working on it! I may not get down to the size 4 I was when I got married, but I'll be happy just to be comfortable in my own skin again.

22. I got my navel pierced about a month before I found out I was pregnant in 2001. Since my belly got HUGE with the twins, it never really healed and I had to take it out. My reward for eventually losing my 30 extra pounds will be to get it re-pierced. Regardless of the hubs view on this one! This is MY reward!

23. I do not like our new president. I don't trust him. He always came across as a used car salesman to me. However, as he is the new commander in chief and I am a third generation Navy brat, I will give him the respect his POSITION deserves. Until he completely screws it up. Then I'll do a little happy dance, shout a big "I told you so" and buy one of those "Don't blame me, I voted for McCain" bumper stickers. :-)

24. I'm in training for the Olathe half-marathon at the end of March. I've run 2 5ks and will probably do a 4-miler on Valentine's Day to benefit a brain tumor research group (in my BFF 'Berly's honor, of course!) I'm hoping to do the full marathon here in KC or in Columbus this fall. Then, next year I want to do the Komen 3-day walk for breast cancer. From there, I'm really not sure where this running thing will go! Maybe Boston before I turn 40?

25. Part of my job entails being the project lead for 7 pro-bono clients (or as I call them, Sponsorship Accounts). I have always thought these projects deserve the same respect and attention to detail as full paying clients - if not more since they are excellent marketing pieces as well! But, I really like doing them as they speak to my heart - all are for causes that mean something to me. Plus, I get to attend 3 black-tie galas, 2 "costume" parties, and one shopping event. What more could a girl want??

There you go - 25 random and fairly useless details about me. Well, they're useless unless you're a cyber-stalker. In which case, none of this is true. I really live in California, am always on the beach with my two well-trained Great Danes named Killer and Brutus and I'm married to a Raiders defensive lineman. With no kids. And I grew up on the mean streets of New York and am a serious hard-core bitch. Also, I have a conceal and carry license and I'm an Olympic sharpshooter. Don't mess with me stalker boy!

Adoption Issues

Probably confused you a little with that title, huh? No, we're not looking to adopt - 3 is more than enough, especially when 2 are twin boys!

No, tonight Travis came in the front room after his bath just in time to see the last 2 minutes of a House re-run I had stopped on. Of course these 2 minutes included two of the characters having a tryst in the supply closet. The resulting conversation went like this (with dad just smirking in the background...)

============================
Travis: Oh. They're going to have sex aren't they?

- stunned silence -

Me: um. (open mouthed stare between son, hubby and TV while the comment sunk in...)

Travis: They are. *sigh* Does it have to be a boy and a girl?

Me: Well, honey, it does tend to work better that way. (Hubby still just sitting there trying not to crack up. Me thinking "isn't this a father/son conversation?? how did I get dragged into THIS one??")

Travis: No, I get that. [Me thinking: CRAP.] I mean, to get a baby does it have to be a boy and girl.

Me: um. Yeah. That's kind of required.

Travis: Oh. But I just want to have kids. I don't want the sex.

Me: (with light dawning anew...) OH. Well, that's probably ok. You're too young anyway. (seriously - where was my BRAIN?)

Travis: I know that silly. No sex till I'm MUCH older (giggling) I mean when I get growed up. I want kids but I don't want to do that stuff with a girl. Can't I just get the kids?

Me: Well sure honey. You could always adopt.

Travis: What's apopped?

Me: no, a.dop.tah. You could get a kid and raise it like it's your own.

Travis: Mom, could you just explain it so a kid like me could understand?

[ok - how to explain adoption to an almost 7 yr old little boy. For reference, this is NOT the way...]

Me: (after a few failed attempts of trying to explain) Let's look at it this way. You know how we go to the pet store and there's all these little puppies without mom and dad doggies? And you guys want to bring one home to love and feed and take care of since they don't have mommies and daddies? Well, there's sometimes little babies and kids without mommies and daddies. They're called 'orphans'. And you could ask to take care of one.

Travis: But wouldn't their mom and dad miss them?

Me: They probably don't have moms and dads. That's why they would need you to adopt them.

Travis: Well, that's not right. They got borned so they have a mom and dad and we shouldn't take them away.

Me: Well, if they're up for adoption and they're orphans, then they don't have moms and dads. Maybe they died.

Travis: no.

Me: No? No to what honey?

Travis: no their mom and dad didn't die. but, maybe we could live near them and they could be like sissy. She has two homes with two moms and two dads. So, we could adopt a kid to take care of and they could still live with their mom and dad and just go back and forth between us. And everyone would be happy. And no sex.

Me: Ooooookay. That works for me. We'll talk about this again when you're all grown up, ok?

Travis: ok. when I'm big like you. Can I have ice cream now?

============================
So - am I raising a really warped child or an extremely sensitive one? I'm so confused...and I'm fairly certain he will be one day as well! :-)

2008 in Facebook Status Updates

Reprisal of 2008 in Facebook Status Updates. For some reason, I don't have updates for Jan Feb or half of March. Weird. If you're actually reading all these, you probably need a little bit of help - or you're my stalker. Either way, enjoy! (cuz really, I did this for myself, for record purposes.)

MARCH
12 - Terese is searching for random old high school pals and college boyfriends. you know - wasting time... :). 12:11am
17 - Terese is wishing she took Spring Break off with her kids - a good family vacation is definitely needed by ALL of us! 12:05pm
19 - Terese is trying to get more DEGers involved in the brackets. Seriously people - what's the deal?? 9:28am

APRIL
04 - Terese is wishing pain meds would kick in. wait...haven't taken yet. crap! 9:45pm
05 - Terese is wondering how she's gonna pull off doing KidStuf with a broken butt. *sigh*. 11:34pm
06 - Terese is wanting another day to the weekend; in desparate need of a vaycay! 9:50pm
07 - Terese launched jazzookc.org today - whoo hoo! two months till the PAR-TAY! 8:54pm
13 - Terese is hungry! waiting for the pizza - wait...IT'S HERE!!! 6:35pm
13 - Terese is full. pizza was good. now she's bored and Facebooking. *yawn*. 9:23pm
15 - Terese is trying to find a better way to spend her quiet evening beesides facebooking. sheesh! 9:19pm
17 - Terese is laughing at Bil's inadvertent SuperWall perversity. wondering who he REALLY meant to sent those things to!! 1:05pm
20 - Terese is wondering how her happy day went to pot so quickly. 3:04pm
22 - Terese is wondering if a bunch of men took stupid pills recently. Seriously - why can't we all just get along?? 9:44am
23 - Terese is wondering if it's worth it. 9:43am
24 - Terese just realized she's OFF WORK tomorrow. no, she knew it, but it jsut hit home...whoo hoo!!! 9:05pm
27 - Terese had 3 days off work and is still stressed and exhausted. She needs a MUCH longer vacation (sans kids). 6:04pm
30 - Terese is getting ready to go to the Zoo - new entrance grand opening preview party. whoo hoo! 3:25pm
30 - Terese is wondering why she's not asleep yet. Seriously. She's tired. 9:20pm

MAY
01 - Terese is hating/loving the weather right now. Deathly afraid of thunrderstorms, but love the clean/cool feeling of the rain. Complex, no? 7:58pm
02 - Terese is trying to bfigure out how to spend her half day alone - cleaning the house or SLEEPING...either way, just enjoying hte peace and QUIET! 1:21pm
03 - Terese wonders what the frig happened to her weekend. How is it Saturday night already? :-(. 7:52pm
04 - Terese is in dire need of a REAL vacation - no kids, no spouse, no house - just a book and a beach. *sigh*. 11:34pm
05 - Terese is learning to be joyfuyl even when she's not happy. Swear that makes sense - just ask how! 10:11pm
07 - Terese is awaiting her annual review today. Cross fingers please... 9:09am
08 - Terese Thank Goodness TOMORROW Is Friday! ;-). 10:36pm
09 - Terese TGIF TGIF TGIF!!! 3:23pm
10 - Terese is hanging out with the teenage blonde on a saturday night. Yep - living on the wild side! 10:52pm
11 - Terese should be well rested - Mom's Day was me, snacks, some books and the TV. Peace & quiet for 10 hours - what a gift! 10:21pm
12 - Terese thinks kindergarteners doing homework is ridiculous - especially the last week of school! 8:43pm
13 - Terese is happy cuz BOTH of her boys moved up to GREEN belt tonight. Whoo Hoo!! 10:12pm
15 - Terese is getting ready for the midnight showing of Prince Caspian. Who's idea was this anyway?? :-). 10:38pm
16 - Terese is in dire need of a coffee IV this morning. But, the movie was worth it! 11:00am
17 - Terese just got back from a grad. party. One of my closest friends has a daughter graduating from HS - I feel old! 6:34pm
18 - Terese is sunburnt and not ready for Monday. Seriously - when's the vacation?? 10:16pm
26 - Terese is watching Zathura for the 2nd time today. Gotta love little boys controlling the remote! 8:21pm
29 - Terese just learned the hard way that our tub is not really porcelein. Crud. Any ideas on how to make a gray tub white again after it's been half scrubbed off? HELP!! 4:31pm
29 - Terese is bored and actually ready for bed at 9pm. WTF? 9:17pm
30 - Terese is wondering why, if she was ready for bed at 9, she's still up at midniight?! 12:05am
31 - Terese is. Tonight, that should be enough. 12:35am

JUNE
01 - Terese doesn't really want to be, but she is. *sigh*. 11:23pm
02 - Terese wonders if she put her real status up here, how many people would freak - and how long would it take them to even notice? 10:07pm
03 - Terese wants to know if it's FRIDAY yet?? Seriously...is it? 10:23pm
05 - Terese is happy - only 2 hours until FRIDAY and only 20 until Jazzoo! whoo hoo! 9:54pm
05 - Terese less than 24 hours now - and the margurita bar is the FIRST stop @ Jazzoo! 6:36pm
07 - Terese feels like she's had a hangover all day - even though the drinks were minimal last night. *sigh*. 10:41pm
07 - Terese just got home from Jazzoo - good night, but sad time as well. When will the world ever be right for all friends at the SAME time? 12:57am
08 - Terese just had a 2 hour talk-time with the hubby - nothing major, jsut catching up and cuddling. what a nice change of pace! 10:30pmEditTerese saw the movie - definitely more kid-oriented but still fun. Now - it's LASAGNA time! YAY!! 5:37pm
08 - Terese is heading to church than to see Kung Fu Panda. whoo hoo! 9:49am
09 - Terese is counting down to her VACATION - it's only Ohio, but still... 6:44pm
10 - Terese : trying to focus on work. maybe closing Facebook would help? 1:00pm
11 - Terese is counting down...only 7 days, 6 hours until VACATION! 11:34am
12 - Terese is counting down...only 6 days, 6 hours until VACATION! 12:02pm
12 - Terese is counting down...only 6 days until VACATION (and only 3.5 are working days!)! 5:01pm
13 - Terese is counting down...only 4 days, 18 hours until VACATION (and only 3 are working days!)! 10:51pm
15 - Terese : 72 hours until mom gets here - whoo hoo! 8:18pm
16 - Terese is deligently cleaning the office. Boring, yes? 9:17pm
16 - Terese gave up on cleaning the office as soon as the status update was in place. Ah the internet...what a lovely place to get lost in! 10:58pm
17 - Terese is realizing there is NOTHING packed and nothing READY to pack for the trip in 38 hours! HELP!! 9:54pm
18 - Terese : only 13 hours until mom gets here - let the fun and games begin! 8:07am
18 - Terese is celebrating 11 days off from work - sorry lisa - had to rub it in one more time... =). 11:30pm
19 - Terese wishes the hotel had better wireless connection. *sigh*. 9:35pm
20 - Terese thinks brining TWO laptops to Ohio was a great idea. Immersed in Count of Monte Cristo while boys watch a cartoon. WHOO HOO! 8:55pm
21 - Terese watched her little cousin get married today. Such a cute couple!! Congrats Mel & David!! 9:57pm
22 - Terese is ready for the vacation to be over...at least the Ohio part. 7:55pm
23 - Terese was sending WORK emails at 1:30 AM EST on a Sunday during vacation week - glutton for punishment or die-hard workaholic? You decide! 12:38am
23 - Terese wants a day to just sit and read a book. Seriously - a VACATION day! 9:06pm
27 - Terese is playing with her new iPod Nano and listening to her kids cough in a weird little harmony. Oh the joys... 9:45pm
30 - Terese is SO ready for a vacation...what? you say the vacation just ended? really??? oh CARP! *sigh*. 12:38pm

JULY
01 - Terese is sick and unhappy. 9:27am
03 - Terese loving that she can watch a movie on her new little ipod while working! multi-tasking at it's absolute finest! 1:08pm
03 - Terese wishes the NyQuil would kick in so she can quit coughing and get some sleep! 10:53pm
04 - Terese wishes everyone a very happy Independence Day! Let the fireworks begin (in 12 hours or so...when it's dark...you know...so you can see them...) 9:11am
04 - Terese thinks 6 yr old boys should NOT be allowed near even the simplest fireworks. But the hubby overruled this year... 11:37pm
05 - Terese just wants to feel better. no doctors, no medicine. just divine intervention. 4:10pm
05 - Terese had a relaxing night with Tina. And wishes certain men would just get a CLUE! 10:20pm
06 - Terese really hates when people question her intelligence. 11:16pm
08 - Terese was called an ANGEL today. There truly is a FIRST TIME for everything! :). 2:00pm
10 - Terese dislikes bald-faced liars. You know - the ones that tell you one thing while they're planning or doing the exact opposite. 8:58pm
13 - Terese just is...and is pretty tired of it. 1:02am
13 - Terese wishes people could see what's TRULY inside. 1:33pm
13 - Terese is deciding the best way out. 5:05pm
16 - Terese is worried about her friend. 3:06pm
17 - Terese wishes she had made plans to see the Dark Knight in 30 minutes. Midnight Movie + Heath Ledger + the BEST Superhero of all times? Priceless. 11:30pm
18 - Terese wonders why she woke up arly today. Still sleepy. Too weird. *yawn*. 7:19am
20 - Terese thinks workweeks should be 2 days and weekends 5 days. Not a new thought in the world, but one worth visiting again... 11:11pm
23 - Terese just finished a meeting with very nice people who occasionally drive her batty. 4:44pm
24 - Terese just hired her MOM as a contractor for a project. How cool is that? :). 12:49pm
24 - Terese is ready for her next vacation - even if it is a trip to Texas. 8:01pm
29 - Terese really is NOT ready for Texas. But at least her husband finally made hotel arrangements! 9:53am

AUGUST
03 - Terese is back from Texas. Not a bad trip after all. And had time to read all of "Breaking Dawn" - yeah, she's a Twilight Mom. :-). 8:09pm
04 - Terese is back at work and trying to concentrate. Eventually, she will get a REAL vacation! :). 10:12am
11 - Terese is watching the American men be AMAZING in gymnastics and wishes the sky were clearer to watch the meteor shower tonight. 10:50pm
11 - Terese is watching the American men in gymnastics and wishing the sky were clearer to watch the meteor shower tonight. 11:07pm
11 - Terese is celebrating the men's gymnastics bronze. USA! USA! USA! 11:44pm
12 - Terese is trying to get through the last hour and finish up 20 things before having 3 days off again. NOT GONNA HAPPEN! 4:09pm
12 - Terese is watching more Olympics. Really wishing money wasn't always an issue or she'd have a seat at ALL the events she could get into! 9:34pm
12 - Terese is now a total Phelps fan. 5 for 5 and all WR to boot. Holy crow that boy ROCKS in the water! 10:31pm
13 - Terese is eating breakfast with her boys. And it's not poptarts! Wow - what a nice change! 9:36am
13 - Terese is watching more Olympics. Whoo hoo! 9:21pm
14 - Terese just spent over an hour catching up via IM with her bestest friend. 'Berly ROCKS! 10:00pm
15 - Terese is watching - wait for it - - - - - the Olympics. Wow - what a surpirse this week, huh? Way to go Phelps on a very close #7 gold! 10:24pm
17 - Terese has taken Olympic watching too far - badmiton and table tennis? She is so needing a LIFE! 4:25pm
17 - Terese is posting pictures while watching the Olympics. It's a full night of FUN in the Babcock household! 9:31pm
18 - Terese is blogging again. Whoo hoo. 10:47pm
19 - Terese is working. Again. whoo hoo. 9:57am
19 - Terese is working while she could be watching Olympic water polo? why? A real TV is needed at the office... 1:11pm
19 - Terese is slowly losing it. 10:07pm
24 - Terese wishes she could just lose her mind completely. Four padded walls sounds so much easier to mantain than a house with 3 males in it. 10:12pm
25 - Terese took her first step in the marathon training today. SO out of shape! 8:48pm

SEPTEMBER
01 - Terese needs the family to realize that "supporting the marathon dream" means more than yelling "GO MOM" at the race! 8:37pm
03 - Terese is gearing up to get down on Friday night! 9:52pm
04 - Terese just finished another walk on the marathon trail. MUCH faster inside on the flat treadmill than outside on the hills (that's a surprise to no one, right?). 9:14pm
06 - Terese wished she knew of a way to fix her feet. WAY too much dancing tonight at Treads and Threads! Good times! 1:18am
06 - Terese was awakend much too early by excited twins who were visited by a generous tooth fairy last night. Ah - the joys of motherhood after partying. :). 9:04am
08 - Terese is having a very intense week - and it's only lunchtime on Monday. How long until Friday?? 1:23pm
08 - Terese is wondering WTF - marathon? 26.2 miles? By March? seriously?? 6:38pm
09 - Terese has a headache from trying to coordinate content for four different sites with four different project leads + leading five current pro bono projects of her own. 4:55pm
09 - Terese returned to karate tonite - thankfully NOT the only adult in class. 9:35pm
11 - Terese is eating Pei Wei for a very late lunch. YUM! 2:07pm
11 - Terese is either really tired or just easily amused - laughing out loud at the Nike+ Mini Me doing a funky dance after today's run/walk. Too cute! 11:16PM
12 - Terese is heading for home on half-day Friday - "mommy quiet time" is here at last! 1:23pm
13 - Terese is ticked because she couldn't even finish a 20-minute walk this morning - fell off the freakin' treadmill! Maybe a second try is in order tonight... 1:34pm
14 - Terese is considering using Benadryl to calm her boys on a nightly basis. Something about bedtime just makes them NUTS! 9:09pm
15 - Terese is up at 5:30 am. Why? No idea. Don't like it though! 5:41am
15 - Terese is trying to work. Not caring doesn't help. Probably that 5:30 AM waking thing. *YAWN*. 10:55am
16 - Terese is somewhat overwhelmed and extremelly under-caffeinated. Better than the opposite... 11:34am
17 - Terese is dreading 2 weeks without being able to harass Tina. She better bring me a back a nice German gift (hint hint). 11:15am
17 - Terese just finished a 25-minute walk/run - almost 2 miles! Personal best on both fronts. Whoo hoo! :-). 9:56pm
18 - Terese finished another "long" run - couldn't quite hit the 25-minute mark, but did get to basically 1.5 miles. Still happy with progres... 9:15pm
19 - Terese knows the house needs a thorough cleaning but can't find the energy to start the job. Guess that's what the weekend is for... 4:21pm
20 - Terese is heading to the twins' first football game - whoo hoo! 6:53am
22 - Terese is tired of being too fatigued to complete even a 30 minute run. What is wrong here?? 10:21pm
24 - Terese is eating an EARLY lunch for once and testing an auction site. Fun times... 11:51am
24 - Terese is tired but happy. Best ever in 4 areas in tonight's workout...30 minutes, 2 miles, decent pace (for me) & 285 calories burned. And only 185 days to go... :-). 10:14pm
27 - Terese watched her boys to victory in their 2nd football game Yay Jags! 11:41am
28 - Terese is "lobster girl" (sunburnt) from watching her boys play football in 90 degree heat. Owwie. :-(. 10:38pm
29 - Terese is extremely annoyed by the amount of homework 1st graders have - math, reading and spelling EVERY NIGHT - 45 minutes. When, exactly, do they get to be KIDS? 9:39pm

OCTOBER
01 - Terese is. And some days, that's enough. 9:53pm
02 - Terese is trying to work while watching the Mummy 2. Fun fun fun! 10:15pm
03 - Terese hopes her WHOLE OFFICE will wear pink and give $$ on Monday for Back in the Swing. There's only 6 women out of 30 associates. Should be interesting! :-). 12:39pm
07 - Terese just sent the first email for the 4th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party to almost 900 people!! Are you on the list? Join up at www.kcsweaterparty.com! 5:45pm
08 - Terese is fighting with her closet. Nothing wants to go together today! 8:55am
08 - Terese just took the "Dr. Phil Personality Test" and the results said she's "The Lively Center of Attention" - wow, is THAT ever WRONG! 10:28pm
09 - Terese is lovin' her new HilllOween shirt - do you have yours yet? Get one at www.hilloween.org! 6:02pm
11 - Terese is headed out to the Pumpkin Run/Walk. Wish her luck! 6:59am
11 - Terese finished the Pumpkin Run! Waiting for race results to post 'official' time...stay tuned. 11:59am
11 - Terese My official race time says '51:17'; IPOD time says '41:04' - thougth chip timing was supposed to be your EXACT time, not your time from race start. Confused... 2:37pm
13 - Terese cannot believe it's Monday. How exactly did that happen? 8:04am
14 - Terese is heading off to karate class with the boys and leaving daddy at home to do laundry. Not sure who got the better end of this deal... 6:23pm
14 - Terese has a headache and a heartache right now. 11:13pm
15 - Terese is thinking about her blog post on poverty right now. It will actually be written sometime today... http://blogactionday.org/. 9:25am
15 - Terese posted for blog action day - check it - http://reasonlight.blogspot.com (or Facebook notes once it imports...) 2:21pm
16 - Terese thought it was Wednesday all day. She could actually use the extra day this week! 5:18pm
17 - Terese wants to leave - it's after 12:00 people. Quit giving more work on a half day!!! 2:00pm
17 - Terese is planning out Saturday - too much to do for Halloween and that's still 2 weeks away! 9:28pm
18 - Terese is headed out to HillOween - FINALLY! 6:55pm
19 - Terese wonders where the weekend went. Oh yeah - football, parties, shopping, more football and sick kids. Good times... 9:17pm
20 - Terese has been staring into space all day wishing she could drop the headache. 9:07pm
21 - Terese is watching Alvin & the Chipmunks to cheer up her sick boy. Hard to concentrate on work while listening to singing chipmunks... 1:10pm
21 - Terese has moved on to "Over the Hedge" for her sick boy. Oh, PLEASE let him feel better tomorrow... 2:48pm
21 - Terese is wishing she could take one more day off just for herself - no sick kids - just her and a cluttered house to be cleaned... 9:17pm
22 - Terese slept too late and can't get her kids to wake up. Maybe we shouldn't be returning to our regular lives yet... 7:48am
22 - Terese is done with a busy busy day. Now - back to the house for dinner and cleaning. whoo hoo... 5:51pm
22 - Terese picked up lots of legos, hot wheels and craft stuff, scrubbed the stained carpet and vacuumed. Eventually, more than one room will get cleaned in this house... 9:54pm
23 - Terese is heading to bed at 8:45...what's the world coming to? 8:42pm
26 - Terese is watching the Cowboys and getting ready to carve pumpkins. Ahh - October! 1:36pm
27 - Terese is getting another cup of coffee and trying to get motivated for Monday work. Yea - finally getting motivated at noon. 12:00pm
27 - Terese is heading home ON TIME to grab the boys and rush to Karate. Whoo hoo! 5:02pm
28 - Terese is heading home ON TIME to grab the boys and rush to Karate. Whoo hoo! 5:02pm
31 - Terese knows as soon as she tells the boys "It's Halloween" this morning, all heck will break loose - in a good way... :-). 7:27am
31 - Terese thanks Price Chopper for cheaper gas today - saved 30 cents PER GALLON due to lots of grocery shoppping. 4:11pm
31 - Terese had a lot of fun Trick or Treating with the boys and KK. Check out the pictures... 10:20pm

NOVEMBER
01 - Terese was awakened at 7:15 by post-Halloween creeping monsters...aka 6 yr old boys trying to hit the candy bowl. 8:49am
01 - Terese justs wants to escape from life. 7:53pm
02 - Terese has watched the Divinci Code too many times this weekend (including right now!) - it just doesn't equal the book at all! 10:01pm
03 - Terese can't wait until November 5. 9:04pm
04 - Terese has donated their status to remind everyone to vote for John McCain today.
04 - Terese is looking for advice on getting a Wii for her kids. Read the posted note then post your comments please! 3:13pm
04 - Terese missed the notice that there wasn't karate tonight and showed up at the church for class. Pollsters were looking at us like we were nuts! *sigh*. 6:49pm
04 - Terese is currently researching what it would take to move to Canada or, honestly, anywhere outside the US. 11:08pm
05 - Terese should have gone to sleep last night instead of staying up to watch the election results. The results would have been much happier! 9:11am
07 - Terese is so happy it's Friday, only half-day of work today and the hubby has a 3-day weekend. Does it get any better? :). 7:23am
09 - Terese is ready to rock-and-roll after doing 4 miles this morning. Unfortunately, stuck cleaning the house. 4:13pm
09 - Terese is going to bed early (for her) with the plan to get up and run again in the AM. (HA!) 10:51pm
10 - Terese is not surprised that the morning run didn't happen. Finally got tosleep at 1am and was awakened at 4am by a 6 yr old not feeling good. 7:58am
10 - Terese is trying to work from home, but it's never a successful endeavor. Hopefully her little boy feels better soon! 3:55pm
10 - Terese got more done at home than she thought she would. But, not until after 4pm when dad got home. 11:18pm
11 - Terese is exhausted after only getting 2 hours of sleep with a sick boy last night. He, however, is running around like a wild child. Ah the joys of parenthood! 1:11pm
13 - Terese ate a good dinner and is ready to head to bed for some much needed sleep. oh...wait...crap...still gotta run at least 3 miles today. dang it. 7:19pm
13 - Terese finished the 3-miler and is now too pumped up to sleep. This schedule is way too screwy! 9:52pm
14 - Terese is fairly sick of the world right now. Maybe that's just the massive sinus/pressue headache talking though. Maybe a nap will help... 1:09pm
14 - Terese just picked up her race packet for the Jingle Bell Run. Come cheer her on at JCCC @ 9am Sunday! 8:04pm
16 - Terese is almost ready to leave for the Jingle Bell Run. It's 30 degrees but mostly sunny - shouldn't be too bad.... 7:59am
16 - Terese had to walk most of the run today. :( Oh well - just finishing was the big goal, not the speed at which it was accomplished! 1:51pm
17 - Terese is telling everyone to go buy their Sweater Party tix. Doesn't matter if you live in KC or not - this is a party worth the roadtrip! www.kcsweaterparty.com. 12:40pm
19 - Terese is ready to call it over and done...and yet it continues. 8:52am
20 - Terese is ready to run away to Merriam in about 24 hours. 2 whole days with no kids - whoo hoo! 1:57pm
20 - Terese is heading out to see Twilight as soon as KK gets her butt over here! 10:05pm
21 - Terese : Twilight ROCKS! Go see it! 2:41am
21 - Terese is amazed that she's up and running after only 3 hours of sleep. Yay for Starbucks triple shot venti white mocha - caffeine AND sugar rush! 9:18am
22 - Terese is in disbelief about what a colossally bad weekend this is turning out to be. 3:08pm
23 - Terese is wondering why Kansas doesn't seem to be on God's radar right now. There are people here who need him right now! 3:42pm
24 - Terese is lamenting her choices of late - and those made many years ago. 1:16pm
24 - Terese is tired from sitting tonight. Too many things didn't get done but there wasn't a choice in the matter. So go the best laid plans of mice and men... 9:24pm
25 - Terese is it Thanksgiving yet? Ready to get done with November, through Christmas and straight into 2009 - this year kind of bites! 9:02am
26 - Terese is all set for Thanksgiving. Mostly. Just realized she forgot a few things at the gocery last night. *sigh*. 9:27am
26 - Terese is thankful for friends that read "negative" status updates and actually ASK about them. You guys help SO MUCH - THANKS! 12:25pm
27 - Terese wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. May you be blessed this holiday. 8:57am
27 - Terese ate WAAAY too much, got her fill of football with BOTH the 'Boys and the 'Horns playing today and just had a nice QUIET day with the fam. Happy T-Day indeed. 10:21pm
28 - Terese is wondering what to do with 2 6-yr-olds for 3 days at home. Any suggestions will be considered! 10:15am
28 - Terese is about to eat T-Day leftovers for the 2nd time today. This should be the end of most of them (didn't cook for a full army this year, just a platoon or 2...) 6:57pm
29 - Terese is ready to setup the Christmas tree. Whoo hoo! 2:25pm
30 - Terese ran this morning for the first time since Jingle Bell...about 3 miles in 40 minutes. Getting better, but a loooooooooooong way to go till the marathon! 1:52pm
30 - Terese hereby offers up the "Skipping Starbucks" challenge for December. Can you give up the coffee in the name of charity? Read latest posted note for details... 6:06pm

DECEMBER
02 - Terese can't believe there's only TEN days until the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Do you have YOUR ticket yet?? www.kcsweaterparty.com. 9:20am
02 - Terese is ready for some "quiet time". What - what's that you say? Oh...yeah. Gotta do dinner, showers, homework, reading and snuggling first. Parenthood ROCKS! *sigh*. 5:40pm
04 - Terese has spent hours trying to find the right pics from thee past year to create this year's Christmas calendars. Oh - the memories... 12:07am
04 - Terese is really not ready for Christmas yet. A personal shopper and a maid would be REALLY helpful this year... 10:51pm
05 - Terese is done for the week - WHOO HOO! Have a great weekend y'all! 12:04pm
05 - Terese can't believe how much she just dropped for Christmas presents. Holy carp! But, went from 0% done to 80% done in one place - very happy! 4:03pm
06 - Terese spent half the day on decorations and logistics for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Do YOU have your ticket yet?? www.kcsweaterparty.com. 7:18pm
07 - Terese has misplaced her sanity. If found, please return to... 8:31pm
09 - Terese is amazed, exciting and oh-so-happy that the Ugly christmas Sweater Party is ALMOST SOLD OUT! Do you have your ticket yet? GET IT HERE: www.kcsweaterparty.com. 9:08am
09 - Terese wishes she had a window so she could watch the snow falling. **hint hint bossman** :-).
09 - Terese is heading to bed EARLY with high hopes of actually getting up at 6am for the 2nd straight day to run - on the treadmill of course! 10:15pm
09 - Terese got caught up talking to her BFF and did not make the early bedtime. So, the AM run might not happen now. But the talk was much more needed & more fulfilling! 11:57pm
10 - Terese "It's only Wednesday?!" Why is this week so sloooooooooooow? Ready to get this party started - the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party that is - www.kcsweaterparty.com. 9:19am
10 - Terese is amazed and oh-so-excited - only 19 tickets left for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Get one NOW - www.kcsweaterparty.com.
10 - Terese is SO FREAKIN' EXCITED! If you want to go to the Sweater Party, get your tix 2nite; there's only THREE left! (if I could bold that statement, I would!) 10:51pm
11 - Terese just got home from decorating Tower Tavern. Friday night's party is going to be the BEST EVER - can't wait! 11:22pm
13 - Terese is still recovering from the party last night. And she didn't really drink. Maybe it was they staying there until 4am that did it! 3:30pm
15 - Terese is ready for a nice relaxing week at work - not a single thing on the schedule! =). 9:14am
15 - Terese is suffering from a serious sinus headache & possibly a really bad ear infection. But, driving to the doc is out today, so suffering is the name of the game. 12:04pm
16 - Terese is suffering from a serious sinus headache & possibly a really bad ear infection. But, driving to the doc is out today, so suffering is the name of the game. 12:04pm
16 - Terese is feeling better. Got to the doc today regardless of the weather. Hopefully, this thing will be kicked long before Christmas - got a lot of wrapping to do! 7:45pm
19 - Terese is missing REAL coffee. The "Skipping Starbucks" is officially over at $50 and she's buying a cup this afternoon! =). 10:54am
19 - Terese wishes she could feel better already - missing running SOOO much! 10:39pm
21 - Terese has been wrapping Christmas presents since 10am - and still not done! 3:27pm
21 - Terese is finally finished wrapping ALL the Christmas presents. Really - 100% done. Hallelujah - regular bedtime on Christmas eve this year! 10:10pm
21 - Terese just realized she never took the twins to see Santa this year. Bad mommy. They haven't said anything, so maybe it will be ok. Cross your fingers... 10:15pm
24 - Terese is ready for Christmas Eve fun. Cookie making, final gift wrappings and a big ham dinner. YAY! 10:04am
24 - Terese had to take the boys to see Santa tonight. Yes - they finally remembered they hadn't seen him yet. Oh well - it was fun even if it wasn't planned! 12:53am
25 - Terese wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas! 12:14am
25 - Terese is really happy the Wii was delivered in time for today - that thing is FUN...and a workout at times! oh, and the boys love it too..... 11:59pm
26 - Terese is already tired of the "why does HE get to go first??" fights on the Wii. Why can't we all just get along?? 3:22pm
28 - Terese is definitely not ready to return to work next week. Can't we just start over next year?? 7:54pm
29 - Terese taught KK how to play the Wii this morning and left her playing it with the boys. Too freakin cute! Would rather be there watching than here at work... 9:50am
30 - Terese just found a great way to release pent-up aggression - Wii Boxing. Beating the crap out of a virtual opponent feels kinda good! 11:10pm
31 - Terese ran this morning to bring 2008 total (since Aug.) to 50+ miles. Personally proud even if no one else is! :). 9:14am

Moments for Myself - 22 December

"We expect too much at Christmas. It's got to be magical. It's got to go right. Feasting. Fun. the perfect present. All that anticipation. Take it easy. Love's the thing. The rest is just tinsel."

- Pam Brown, Moments for Myself, Daily Inspiration Calendar

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I needed this one today, as I have been so worried about all the presents and the decorations and trying to keep our few "traditions" going (like getting the tree up on Thanksgiving weekend, buying our annual Hallmark ornaments, seeing the Longview Lights, visiting Santa, making Christmas cookies, etc.), that I think I forgot about some of the most important things! Have I been so obsessed with these details that I forgot to teach my kids about giving and thinking about others?

However, when I saw my kids make their babysitter open her Christmas present this morning, before she could even take off her coat, I realized maybe I've done ok. My kids are a lot like me - they're more excited about seeing other people open their presents and what they GAVE than about what they might GET.

They searched under the tree last night when I was done wrapping, not for their own names but for others - to see how many presents other people had - and then they asked me what was in each one. As I filled them in on the details, they would say stuff like "oh, he'll really get to use that" or "she's going to LOVE that!" So, maybe I haven't missed too many of the finer points and they really ARE getting it!

But, I still want to make those cookies on Wednesday...

Pumpkin Run Results

The Pumpkin Run was last Saturday and the results are in...

My official race time was 51:17 with a shot gun start. For those of you who are non-runners or newbies like me, this means that everyone's time is based off the shotgun (start) but not unnecessarily a specific indicator of how fast each individual actually ran, since it takes some time for each runner to actually cross the finish line!

Since I had my iPod and handy Nike+attached, I was able to get my "actual" time as well. For me, this was 41:04. My goal was to finish in less than 45 minutes and I DID IT! Yea me!

I didn't get an "official" race photo, so you don't get to see me in my pretty BRIGHT orange t-shirt. But, I was there and it was fun.

Next race...Jingle Bell 5k on November 16 (other than cold...it's supposed to be very cold...we'll see how THAT works!)

Typical Spoiled American (Blog Action Day)

In a typical middle-class American way today, I've already done the following things:

• Woken up in a soft, warm bed to an alarm clock
• Turned down the heater because it was too warm in my 1600 sq ft home
• Took a HOT shower and dried off with a clean towel
• Put on makeup and did my hair with a hair dryer and a curling iron
• Got dressed after sorting through too many options in my closet
• Worked on a computer with Internet access and a wireless home network
• Watched cable TV on THREE different TVs throughout my home
• Reviewed the bill for dental work my kids received with a note to call the insurance company about what wasn't covered
• Wrote checks for school parties and sports activities, as well as credit cards and other household bills
• Woke up my two boys from their soft, warm beds
• Fed my boys warm pop-tarts and cold milk
• Hustled my boys through making their lunches, brushing their teeth and getting dressed in clean clothes
• Moved a load of laundry through the system - washer, dryer, and hangars & baskets
• Put out steak and pork chops to be grilled for our dinner tonight
• Drove my kids to school and then myself to the job I've held for over 5 years in a large minivan with a full tank of gas
• Considered stopping at two different Starbucks on the way to work, but decided to wait until Friday for that "indulgence"
• Worked on another computer with Internet access for a company that builds websites
• Talked on a RAZR cell phone and a land line phone
• Looked at pictures of my family on a digital picture frame
• Watched a movie and listened to music on my iPod Nano third gen
• Used Facebook and other Internet sites to connect to friends and family
• Bought lunch at the café next door to my office

And this was all before NOON! And I could place a bet that your day, although not the exact same, involved many of the same activities listed above and maybe more!

So, why do I list of all of these luxuries in a post about poverty? Simply put, I (apparently) don't understand first-hand the concept of "poverty".

Growing up, I know money was tight as my mom was raising three kids alone from the time I was 7. Yet, we always had a house to live in and food on the table. Although I wore some hand-me-downs from my older brother, being a girl there were some things that had to be bought just for me and they were always there when I needed them. I had a bike and my mom always had a car and could afford gas for that car. We took family vacations - usually to see other family members - and we did fun things, just maybe not as much as other people. I had piano lessons, played in the school band, and played sports - all of which cost money and sometimes a lot more than I realized back then. We had good Christmases and great birthdays. We never really went without, although now I see that we were probably "lower class" or "poor" in terms of how much money we had.

I know there are people in the world who do not have 'enough'. For me as an adult, like many Americans, not having 'enough' is the equivalent of cutting back on eating out as gas prices rise or foregoing a new clothes I don't need so I can take my family on a vacation. Not having 'enough' means having to wait for my paycheck before I can pay off a credit card. It means only having Starbucks once a week or making my lunch instead of buying it for a few days. It means I can't buy the newest iGadget as soon as it comes out or wear the latest fashion trends all the time. It means I'm a typical spoiled American.

I think we, as middle-class (and higher) Americans, take for granted the things we do and have and don't really think about the fact that there are people in the world - and, yes, even in AMERICA - that do not have enough money to get even the basic necessities in life.

They don't have a paycheck coming in on a regular basis, if at all. They don't have a house to go home to or a bed to sleep in. They don't have a car to take them places and probably can't afford the bus or subway either. Many of us look at walking or running as a hobby or a way to stay in shape but those without money look at it as their only form of transportation - and hope their shoes last through the winter. They don't have clean clothes or even clean bodies most times. Food is a need sometimes met from the trash of others and good, warm food is a luxury. Medical, dental and vision care and the insurance to help pay for that care are virtually unheard of. Education for children is received at public schools, if at all - and extracurricular activities like sports and music are a mere dream.

What I'd like you to take from this post is how absolutely LUCKY you are to be sitting in a room, using a computer hooked up to the Internet, with clothes on your back, probably having eaten several times today, with plans to talk on the phone or watch TV tonight and then fall into a real bed.

Some of these things are basic necessities (shelter, clothing, sustenance) and others are pure luxuries (electricity, a computer, Internet access, a bed, a phone, a TV) - and YOU HAVE THEM. Or have access to them. You are not lacking! Be thankful for what you have and then take a little of that to share with others.

On this blog action day, thousands of bloggers the world-round are writing about ways to help those in need. Suggestions of organizations that take donations, such as Operation Breakthrough here in Kansas City, are placed on blogs in the hope that the link will be followed and a donation given (hint, hint - click that link!). Other sites suggest ways to go out and help alleviate the problem by conscious action. Any way around it, the "haves" need to do a little to help the "have-nots" to make the world a better place. Do what you can and then say a little prayer that YOU are a "have".

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Homework Woes

Last year, I was frustrated that my boys had to be in only half-day kindergarten and then had to bring home work because there wasn't enough time in a half-day for the teachers to get through all the curriculum. Now, as first graders, I thought it'd be better since they're there all day. Nope - it got worse.

This year (so far...), the boys have 15 minutes of math, 10-15 minutes of reading, spelling words and "sight" words practice (words they have to know "by sight" since the usual phonics rules don't apply - like "have" and "was").

This comes to about 30 - 45 minutes of work after they were in school for 7 hours! What gives? This weekend, they had everything but the math ("Free Fridays" on math) and my 8th grade daughter had NOTHING. Yep - not a single thing to work on. She didn't have long term projects, lots of math or social studies questions, not even a book report due!

The hubby and I discussed this and the more we talk about it, the more we agree that when kids get home at night, especially younger kids, they should have the time to be KIDS - running outside, building things, doing crafts, baking cookies and just generally decompressing.

By the time we're able to get off work and pick them up, it's already 5pm (which is also part of the problem - neither of us is ever able to leave on time and the 20-30 minutes drive between our jobs and home is another time eater - but that's another rant). Three nights a week they have sports they choose to participate in (2 football nights and 1 karate). With dinner, baths and sleep routine (aka, cuddle time) that leaves about an hour or so to just be kids. Oh - wait - in that hour they now have to get in the 30 - 45 minutes of HOME WORK!

This was their schedule just for today:

• Get up at 7:45 am
• Leave for school at 8:30
• School from 8:50 to 3:50 pm
• After-care until pickup at around 5
• Football practice from 5:30 to 7
• Dinner at 7:00
• Showers from 7:15 to 7:30
• Homework from around 7:30 until 8:15
• Cuddle/chill time until 8:30
• Bedtime at 8:30

Tomorrow is essentially the same thing, except we have dinner then karate instead of football then dinner. Wednesday and Thursday is a little looser since there isn't a sports practice on those days, but we do have Emily on Wednesdays which muddies up the works some.

Is it really any wonder adults are workaholics and stressed all the time? Apparently, we're taught to be this way from our youngest school years. I can see the stress and unhappiness in my Travis' eyes whenever we pull out the homework folders. He struggles with it more than Thomas, but beyond that, he just wants some time to play and watch some cartoons. He got about 5 minutes of TV today - and that was only because I didn't catch him right after his bath to jump on the homework! Thomas didn't get any TV at all. And neither of them got "downtime" today. And there won't really be any tomorrow either. there may be some on Wednesday and Thursday, but by that time in their week they're bushed. By Saturday they're just crabby and whiny and we spend a lot of Saturdays just being lazy around the house trying to recoup from the insanity of the week!

So, what kind of America would we live in if we simply allowed kids to be creative and free-thinkers (aka, "themselves") for those few hours at night instead of forcing them into MORE schoolwork and conformative thought? Would our kids know how to leave work at the office and spend time with their kids when they grow up? Would they get more sleep and be happier in general? What exactly are we teaching our kids LONG TERM with "homework"?

Anyway, just a little venting and food for thought. I gotta go check my work email and test a few websites now. *sigh*

A Year in The Life

A co-worker of mine is a great scrapbook maker and has committed to doing a "week in the life" scrapbook project - where she'll be taking pictures, writing notes, etc. for an entire week. Trying to get down the little things that happen in her week. While I think that's very cool, I just don't have the time to commit to do that right now.

However, every year I do make a scrapbook calendar for the great-grandparents and I have a hard time always coming up with good stuff to include. I was inspired by her project to modify my own. And, since Wednesday is the 1st of a month, I think this is a good time to implement it!

So, on the first weekend of each month (or 1st day we have Emily!), I will take a picture of all three kids, separate and together. A family picture if I can get the hubby to agree. Preferably it will be a "seasonal" based picture - like with pumpkins or Christmas decorations or Valentine's etc. Then, I'll try to keep a good calendar/journal of all the activities we do for the month - like in October alone the boys have 3 field trips, 2 Halloween parties, Karate and a host of football games. Emily has soccer, movies with friends, school projects, etc. I've got a work event, Halloween parties, karate, running goals (and my first race!) and other things. Joe of course has football. :-)

Between now and next October, I'll be able to have a good set of photos and notes to create my 'in-depth' calendars for the grandparents for next Christmas (not sure how I'll do THIS year's yet!). A glimpse back at where we were as we plan for where we're going type of thing.

I figure if I can devote just one solid day to this a month, I can get a good calendar/scrapbook out of it. If I can keep it up over several years, how much better will that be! Let me know how you would improve on this idea - suggestions always welcome!! :)

Read this post

Rather than re-write or re-post everything to this blog that I just put on the other one, please just go read it over there. :-)

http://2008accountability.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-adventure-revealed.html