My apologies on being lax in posting. My 'giddy-up and go' went somewhere else far, far, away this summer. I have learned that I wasn't the only one plagued with this type of event. I do not know if it was the tremendously long stretch of warm, humid weather; if my battery was just that empty; or too many things going on to get motivated to do anything. Lots of people I have talked to (and believe me - I can talk and talk and talk) were all suffering the same lack of umph. I tried 3 times to get busy with the P90X and am doing OK on this last attempt.
I got discouraged because that wonderful genetic stamp across my gut surfaced AGAIN. Which stamp would that be? the one that says, "Inflate to 40 lbs". YUCK, YUCK, YUCK. It takes a lot of umph to want to even begin the workouts again. Here's what I don't get - I feel really good when I do workout. My strength improves, flexibility and even my innards seem to feel great. So why wouldn't I want to workout - like all the time? I never have a want of things to do, there is always, ALWAYS things to be done. I want to keep my flexibility - which I was losing at an alarming rate two years ago. I like a wide range of motion and who knows how long I will be able to keep that. Another reason for participating in the Badger State Games - as long as I can - I will. After being back at it for the 3rd week, I feel my strength back. Mondays are usually the push-up, pull-up days. So I counted how many push-up I did on the 20th. 71!!!! I feel rather impressed with myself. There are 6 kinds I do, but that is the total of all of them. Not bad for a grandma!
So what has been keeping me busy? The kids, work and the mundane house stuff. Fred planted not one, but two gardens this year and everything did very well. Here's what we've either frozen or canned so far - no, we are not done yet:
22 Qts Dill pickles
67 Bags Green Beans (varying amounts in each bag)
21 Bags Green Peppers (varies also)
5 Bags Broccoli
6 Bags shredded Zucchini
14 Qts Green Beans
24.5 Qts Spaghetti Sauce
14.5 Qts Plain Tomatoes
24 Pts Salsa
7 Qts Salsa
7 Qts Stewed Tomatoes (has green peppers and onions in it)
35.5 Bags Corn (3.5 c in each bag)
21 Qts Tomato Soup
7 Pts Pizza Sauce
The broccoli, pickles, green beans, and corn are done. We might do one more batch of something tomato. The carrots are next and will be canned. The bags are vaccuum seal bags that last for a long time. It is a lot of work now. However, in January, February and March when we want some summer - these will taste absolutely wonderful. There are also potatoes, which we've eaten a few. Just not sure how we will store those.
All this work wears one out. One evening we did 13 Qts tomato soup and went to bed about 12:15 - 6am came awfully early the next day.
Alexa has worked at the cheese factory this summer and her last week in next week. Scott has begun cross-country and ran his first race yesterday as a Freshman. It was very humid and he forgot his inhaler. He finished in the middle, but was the first freshman from our school to finish and he felt good about his time and placement. Megan took her road test for her driver's license and didn't pass on the first try. Tuesday she tries again, I hope it goes well.
I have tried to do some cleaning here and there around the house, but it is a huge project overall. A little at a time will have to be enough. Trying to clear off my craft/scrapbook counter in the store-room so I can get back at the kids' scrapbook/photo albums. I can report some progress has been made.
Gwen is back in Texas and has their rental house about ready for Greg to come home. He will be back stateside in mid-September. The cats adjusted well to the new home. She starts school next week and that will keep her busy.
Tim is finishing up his things getting ready to head to Texas to Gwen's the end of September, just after Alexa leaves for Utah. Yes, I will have kids scattered about the country. My retirement plan is to live with each one for a month or two, then on to the next one's house. So far, they are all OK with that plan and I like to travel.
Have a great week! May Autumn be a welcomed guest in all our homes!!!!! The cooler air feels wonderful.
Love Ya,
Bren
One of my favorite places in the world!!!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Oh Summertime!!!!
Yup, we're in the thick of it. Young Women's Cycling High Adventure is done (Meg biked 100 miles and canoed 13 miles in western Wisconsin) the last week of June. Young Men's Cycling High Adventure is done (Scott biked 140 miles last week in Door County). Both had a great time. Meg was at young Women's camp last week. She was excited to be a Youth Camp Leader this year and be in charge of a few things.
Alexa is busy working at the cheese factory and doing pretty well. Hasn't hit any more deer. She's gone to a few graduation parties, but other than work, not much else.
Scott's Eagle project is complete WITH the write-up. :) Now just a partial Communications Merit Badge to wrap up and do all of Lifesaving Merit Badge. Once those are done, the Eagle Rank Application can be sent in. Target submission date is August 10th. The end is finally in sight. :)
Scott got his wisdom teeth out today. Didn't take too long and the extraction went well. As I was driving him home with his mouth full of gauze he was trying to talk to me - hilarious!!! I couldn't understand a word he said, so he tried sign language (of sorts). When I told him I had to watch the road, he leaned forward and towards me to try his make-shift sign language where I could see and still see the road. I almost peed my pants I was laughing so hard. :) However, I did not and he has had absolutely no problem playing Call of Duty on the PS3. Imagine that.
The garden is now in full swing with beans, broccoli, zucchini, green peppers and pickle cucumbers. The tomatoes haven't even started yet or the corn. We will have bumper harvest on all of this. We may need to get a second chest freezer. Going to buy lots more quart canning jars, though as we only have 30 empty ones left. I know it is a lot of work now, but will taste oh so good in the winter and next spring. I made stuffed peppers for supper tonight and it was wonderful - peppers just picked yesterday.
Have a great week and try to keep cool!
Love ya,
Bren
Alexa is busy working at the cheese factory and doing pretty well. Hasn't hit any more deer. She's gone to a few graduation parties, but other than work, not much else.
Scott's Eagle project is complete WITH the write-up. :) Now just a partial Communications Merit Badge to wrap up and do all of Lifesaving Merit Badge. Once those are done, the Eagle Rank Application can be sent in. Target submission date is August 10th. The end is finally in sight. :)
Scott got his wisdom teeth out today. Didn't take too long and the extraction went well. As I was driving him home with his mouth full of gauze he was trying to talk to me - hilarious!!! I couldn't understand a word he said, so he tried sign language (of sorts). When I told him I had to watch the road, he leaned forward and towards me to try his make-shift sign language where I could see and still see the road. I almost peed my pants I was laughing so hard. :) However, I did not and he has had absolutely no problem playing Call of Duty on the PS3. Imagine that.
The garden is now in full swing with beans, broccoli, zucchini, green peppers and pickle cucumbers. The tomatoes haven't even started yet or the corn. We will have bumper harvest on all of this. We may need to get a second chest freezer. Going to buy lots more quart canning jars, though as we only have 30 empty ones left. I know it is a lot of work now, but will taste oh so good in the winter and next spring. I made stuffed peppers for supper tonight and it was wonderful - peppers just picked yesterday.
Have a great week and try to keep cool!
Love ya,
Bren
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Motivation. . . hhmmmm . . .missing, I think
I've been struggling a bit to find motivation - as you can see from my lack of blogging. Then again, maybe not. I have been in 'high' gear for so many months now that when I have any amount of 'down' time, I am not sure what to get done first. My list is so very long and I think I can get one thing done, I think of the next thing I could do and the next and the next and the next - then I don't know what is most important because I'd love to get them all done. So, I veg and play mahjong dimensions online. OOOoooppps!
Well, then, what did I do this past month? Alexa graduated on June 3rd. My 4th to take the walk from high school into quasi-adulthood. She is transitioning well and began working at a nearby cheese factory for the summer. Not a super cool job, but it pays well and she has more hours than most pre-college kids are getting. She has found that it is not near as bad as she imagined and regales us with some funny stories about machines, cheese, and people who have worked there for many, many years. She, too hit a deer. She was on her way home from work (the 2nd week). When she walked in the door to tell what happened and we weren't sure if she was crying so she wouldn't laugh or laughing so she wouldn't cry. The car will get a new headlight on Monday. It is an older car and we won't put it through insurance but just pay it out of pocket. She was fine and all was well enough.
Megan did well on the Young Women Cycling High Adventure the 3rd week in June. They biked 100 miles and canoed about 15 miles. It is an awesome trip for the girls who can make it. She has been frequenting the library in town and loves to check out books, CDs and movies.
Scott was all gung-ho to begin training for cross country when he had an asthma attack. It has slowed him up a bit and hopefully he will adapt mentally so he can get back in the swing of things. It is induced by physical activity and was set off the first week of June with high pollen and high humidity. He has an inhaler and should be running something every day. On really icky days outside, he can run on the treadmill in the basement - which actually has some great running programs on it. The mental adjustment will be the big thing to overcome.
He just has two merit badges to complete and finish his eagle project write-up and he can submit his application for Eagle Rank. So close!!!!!
There was the graduation party and all the kids were home. :) Oh, it was fun and everyone behaved well. I told them that if it became a 'PICK ON MOM' event - they could all leave. I wish it wouldn't have ever ended.
Here is the guys putting one of the floating dock sections in the water. They made 8 of these and several sections for the stationary pier. Yes, we had that many dogs at our house. 5 dogs, 3 cats, a turtle and a goldfish. The dogs were upstairs and the cats were downstairs. Oh, don't forget the 18 people. :) It was all fun!
House got quiet after that weekend. It was hard to see Bry, Mark and Korbin go. Good thing, though, we can go see them again! Don't know when, but we can.
June 24th I traveled to Wausau to compete in the Badger State Games again this year in Discus and added Shot Put. I threw the Discus 8' farther than last year for a best throw of 81' 11". I was pretty happy and look to better that next year. I decided to do the Shot Put, too since I had made the trip. I hadn't even picked up a shot put in 29 years, but had a nice 'put' of 25' 11". Not bad, and only lost about 3' from the high school days. :) Sweet! Oh, the best part? Since no one else in the state my age decided to show up, I got first in both!!!! There hasn't been much time in the past 3 months to keep up with my P90X, so with the conditioning I maintained from that, it really helped me throw. Also, for Mother's day, I bought myself a metal rimmed discus and nice carry case - it feels great to throw it. Who needs flowers?
Now it is the week of July 4th and time to re-group, get back in the workouts because apparently my stomach and waist are quite inflatable. More sit-ups for me!
Have a wonderful week of the 4th!!!!! Our Freedom isn't free and we won't keep it if we don't fight for it.
Love Ya,
Bren
This is how I feel!!!! And the saying is perfect!!!! (I was crazy once, lock me in a box and call me nuts. Nuts, nuts, I like nuts - they make me crazy!!!! ) I say this to my kids and it drives them crazy. :) Oh what fun to be a parent and be a little loopy now and then.
Megan did well on the Young Women Cycling High Adventure the 3rd week in June. They biked 100 miles and canoed about 15 miles. It is an awesome trip for the girls who can make it. She has been frequenting the library in town and loves to check out books, CDs and movies.
Scott was all gung-ho to begin training for cross country when he had an asthma attack. It has slowed him up a bit and hopefully he will adapt mentally so he can get back in the swing of things. It is induced by physical activity and was set off the first week of June with high pollen and high humidity. He has an inhaler and should be running something every day. On really icky days outside, he can run on the treadmill in the basement - which actually has some great running programs on it. The mental adjustment will be the big thing to overcome.
He just has two merit badges to complete and finish his eagle project write-up and he can submit his application for Eagle Rank. So close!!!!!
There was the graduation party and all the kids were home. :) Oh, it was fun and everyone behaved well. I told them that if it became a 'PICK ON MOM' event - they could all leave. I wish it wouldn't have ever ended.
Here is the 4 generations. Little Korbin, Great-Grandma Mavis, Mom Bry and Grandma Brenda.
Here is the sweet precious boy! He has just such an expressive face and so easy going.
this is all of us.
Bry, Mark, Korbin, Megan, Fred, Alexa, Brenda, Tim, Gwen and Scott.
We will be adding Greg to the photo. He will be between Gwen and Scott. He is deployed to the Middle East until early Fall. He is safe and can talk to Gwen a lot via Skype - so it is a visual phone call. Pretty awesome to have the technology to do that.
House got quiet after that weekend. It was hard to see Bry, Mark and Korbin go. Good thing, though, we can go see them again! Don't know when, but we can.
June 24th I traveled to Wausau to compete in the Badger State Games again this year in Discus and added Shot Put. I threw the Discus 8' farther than last year for a best throw of 81' 11". I was pretty happy and look to better that next year. I decided to do the Shot Put, too since I had made the trip. I hadn't even picked up a shot put in 29 years, but had a nice 'put' of 25' 11". Not bad, and only lost about 3' from the high school days. :) Sweet! Oh, the best part? Since no one else in the state my age decided to show up, I got first in both!!!! There hasn't been much time in the past 3 months to keep up with my P90X, so with the conditioning I maintained from that, it really helped me throw. Also, for Mother's day, I bought myself a metal rimmed discus and nice carry case - it feels great to throw it. Who needs flowers?
Now it is the week of July 4th and time to re-group, get back in the workouts because apparently my stomach and waist are quite inflatable. More sit-ups for me!
Have a wonderful week of the 4th!!!!! Our Freedom isn't free and we won't keep it if we don't fight for it.
Love Ya,
Bren
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Pics as Promised
The first one is Meg with Grandpa. He loves to see his grandchildren's sports and has a special place in his heart for track. He ran in high school.
Ready for the cutest grandson ever! Here is Korbin with the monkey his Mom crocheted for him.
A priceless picture!!!!
This is the beginning of the Eagle Project. This tractor auger was the best thing ever and those plastic rings sped up the process a lot and reduced the amount of shoveling that needed to be done. Scott dumped the rings and placed them over the next hole to be dug.
After 5 hours on the first Saturday, all the posts were cemented firmly in place. A little hard to show the whole area as it was 74' X 72'. Below is one row of posts and if you look closely ahead of Scott you can see posts for the other sides of the fenced areas.
After another 5 hours on the second Saturday this is what we had - 4 fenced sections for the dogs to use. Scott did have to figure out a way to fill in some open areas on the bottom of the fence - rocks from our house worked very well and they were free. Some sections of the fence moved pretty easily back and forth, which wouldn't be a problem for most dogs, but all it takes is one to squirm underneath and then there can be real big problems if dogs don't get along. So, Scott took the 3 & 4' green garden stakes, wove them through the fence fabric and pounded them into the ground. No dog getting under that fence now.
Below is the picture that was submitted to several local newspapers. The dog is 'Dot', a very nice and gentle dog. You can see the tarps we used for shade. This particular tarp was way too big and did not work well with the wind we have a lot of here. So, both were removed and replaced with 4 smaller tarps that can easily be taken down if bad weather threatens and put back up when needed. They were cheaper, too.
Have a great weekend!
Love Ya, Bren
Saturday, June 2, 2012
AWOL - So Sorry
OK, ever have those times when you think things are under control, but you soon realize you were completely mistaken? Oh, just been there for, obviously, over a month. My life really has not been my own. Then, when I think I can sit down and catch up on my blog, it is no longer compatible with my web browser. UUUgghhh!!!! What a frustration. I have that figured out now and even have some time to update.
Work - been busy, but loving only working 4 days a week. Some weeks I am there 5 days, but 2 are half days and that rocks, too! I can also work all 5 days and bank the day off. Very flexible. I still need to spend time on the office books at home, but I should be able to find some time for that now, too.
Scouts - The Eagle Project is COMPLETE!!!! Whoo Hoooo!!!! It took 125 hours in total for everyone's time. My time put in was almost as much as Scott's because he isn't old enough to drive and so I could count my time as well to drive him for collecting donations and getting everything set up at the Humane Society. It really turned out well. The Humane Society loves the exercise pens for the dogs. Scott did well on the fundraising part, but in the end he was about $400 short. It would have been almost even up except the fence company that helped needed to cover their materials cost and gas to bring up their equipment. They had all the right tools to get it begun and completed in two Saturday mornings. It was amazing how fast it went. Both of the scout troops are busy, but Scott has been in track and not able to participate as much in scouts during March, April and May. We were grateful we found time to get the Eagle project done.
Track - Megan had a very good season earning her 2nd varsity letter. She went to the Sectionals meet in the 4 X 2 relay (4 runners complete 2 laps, so each does a 200). One of the relay team pulled a groin muscle during her individual 200, so the relay team did not do as well as they would have hoped. She also enjoyed participating in the 4 X 1 Relay, 200m, some long jump and some high jump.
-Scott had a very good season as well. He did very well in the Discus with his personal best being 113'4". He actually did well in what ever event they put him in. He pulled a hip-flexor early in the season and worked to get it healed so he could run. He likes running the 800m, hurdles, relays, really just anything.
- Me: I really enjoyed helping the middle school track team with discus and shot put. One of the 7th grade girls broke the school record. Scott tried to do that, but came close. Anyway, it was going very well until one of the paid coaches (newbie this year) was telling our students to be violent, angry and violence at a meet to motivate them to throw better or harder. Made me cringe. Never in all my life have I heard that and couldn't believe anyone would think that was OK. I told this coach that those words were no longer to be used. 'Really?' was the reply. No concept of why that would be wrong. This person didn't like that and asked their 'two bosses' who supposedly told this person that it was 'OK'. Now really? If you have to ask someone else if something is right or wrong, just assume right now that it is in fact wrong.
In order to teach children who are just beginning to learn a technique, you use a lot of repetition. One repeats the basics the students are trying to grasp. In discus that would be: hip first, chest up, jump out the throw, etc.... Yes, we want them to use a lot of effort, but most are so unsure of themselves that they do not have the confidence to just let it rip and give it all they have. Besides, even in Football the players are taught skills, not violence. We could ask the N O Saints how that's working out for them. :)
I was quite miserable by the end. The kids didn't need two coaches telling them what to do either. That confuses them. So, I did what I could and stepped back. I figured it was best to be there supporting them even if I didn't say much. A lot of parents can't take the time to go to the meets, so I was proxy and encouraging every chance I got.
I had looked at possible track meets I could participate in this summer since the Badger State games had been cancelled in the fall for this summer. Nothing worked out on a weekend I could go. Then I got an email from the Badger State Games that they are in fact happening and on a weekend I can go!!!! Yippeee!! I am all registered and good to go. I will do both Discus and Shot Put this year. Should be a lot of fun and for Mother's Day I ordered myself a new metal rimmed discus. It is so sweet to throw!!!! Oh happy day!
Graduation-It was a long semester for Alexa, but she made it! I poked and prodded her to get all her work done. She got MOST of it done and we survived the Senior Tea, the Scholarship Awards Ceremony, the Senior Banquet, and the Senior Awards Ceremony. She did get 3 scholarships, nothing huge, but it all helps when at school. She got the Female School Spirit Award - voted on by her classmates. Then surprise, surprise she received the Phy Ed Dept award. Each department gives an award (medallion) to a senior who demonstrates high character and commitment in that department. Alexa has really loved the Personal Fitness PE class. She apparently got perfect scores all semester. They do real life fitness activities like walking, yoga, pilates, aerobics, things they can do for the rest of their lives.
Now we just have to sit through the graduation ceremony tomorrow. I have been trying to keep my inner anger in check and remember that we sit through all these things for our child. Blah, blah, blah is how I really feel sitting there. I am not comfortable talking with all these people that I really don't know. Funny story though - We (me, Fred and Alexa) went to the Senior Banquet. We got there just as it was supposed to start and seating was very tight so we ended up sitting on a long bench-table by people we didn't know. As we were sitting there, waiting for our turn to get in the food line, Alexa itched the back of her neck, was startled and flung her hand towards the top of the table. She had found a wood tick crawling on her neck and flung it on the table! Good thing there weren't plates of food on the table because the tick would have landed right in the middle of one of them!!!! I took a tissue out of my purse, we got the critter in the tissue and thrown in the garbage.
The family sitting across from us must have thought us strange, because we handled it so matter of factly like it was no big deal. I think that was better than making a huge scene out of it. They were very nice and good company.
Now that the past couple of months have passed, I think I can remember my name. It was way too busy and I will think long and hard if asked to help with track again next year. The first thing I will do is ask who the coaches are, exactly what they expect of me and then decide. It really was fun to help the students learn to throw and put. I do know there won't be another Eagle Project in the middle of it. Life will be slower, right? I'll let you know how that works for me. :)
Have a great start to the summer! No is an acceptable word to use. I am still learning that. I will post some pictures in the next blog.
Love Ya,
Bren
Work - been busy, but loving only working 4 days a week. Some weeks I am there 5 days, but 2 are half days and that rocks, too! I can also work all 5 days and bank the day off. Very flexible. I still need to spend time on the office books at home, but I should be able to find some time for that now, too.
Scouts - The Eagle Project is COMPLETE!!!! Whoo Hoooo!!!! It took 125 hours in total for everyone's time. My time put in was almost as much as Scott's because he isn't old enough to drive and so I could count my time as well to drive him for collecting donations and getting everything set up at the Humane Society. It really turned out well. The Humane Society loves the exercise pens for the dogs. Scott did well on the fundraising part, but in the end he was about $400 short. It would have been almost even up except the fence company that helped needed to cover their materials cost and gas to bring up their equipment. They had all the right tools to get it begun and completed in two Saturday mornings. It was amazing how fast it went. Both of the scout troops are busy, but Scott has been in track and not able to participate as much in scouts during March, April and May. We were grateful we found time to get the Eagle project done.
Track - Megan had a very good season earning her 2nd varsity letter. She went to the Sectionals meet in the 4 X 2 relay (4 runners complete 2 laps, so each does a 200). One of the relay team pulled a groin muscle during her individual 200, so the relay team did not do as well as they would have hoped. She also enjoyed participating in the 4 X 1 Relay, 200m, some long jump and some high jump.
-Scott had a very good season as well. He did very well in the Discus with his personal best being 113'4". He actually did well in what ever event they put him in. He pulled a hip-flexor early in the season and worked to get it healed so he could run. He likes running the 800m, hurdles, relays, really just anything.
- Me: I really enjoyed helping the middle school track team with discus and shot put. One of the 7th grade girls broke the school record. Scott tried to do that, but came close. Anyway, it was going very well until one of the paid coaches (newbie this year) was telling our students to be violent, angry and violence at a meet to motivate them to throw better or harder. Made me cringe. Never in all my life have I heard that and couldn't believe anyone would think that was OK. I told this coach that those words were no longer to be used. 'Really?' was the reply. No concept of why that would be wrong. This person didn't like that and asked their 'two bosses' who supposedly told this person that it was 'OK'. Now really? If you have to ask someone else if something is right or wrong, just assume right now that it is in fact wrong.
In order to teach children who are just beginning to learn a technique, you use a lot of repetition. One repeats the basics the students are trying to grasp. In discus that would be: hip first, chest up, jump out the throw, etc.... Yes, we want them to use a lot of effort, but most are so unsure of themselves that they do not have the confidence to just let it rip and give it all they have. Besides, even in Football the players are taught skills, not violence. We could ask the N O Saints how that's working out for them. :)
I was quite miserable by the end. The kids didn't need two coaches telling them what to do either. That confuses them. So, I did what I could and stepped back. I figured it was best to be there supporting them even if I didn't say much. A lot of parents can't take the time to go to the meets, so I was proxy and encouraging every chance I got.
I had looked at possible track meets I could participate in this summer since the Badger State games had been cancelled in the fall for this summer. Nothing worked out on a weekend I could go. Then I got an email from the Badger State Games that they are in fact happening and on a weekend I can go!!!! Yippeee!! I am all registered and good to go. I will do both Discus and Shot Put this year. Should be a lot of fun and for Mother's Day I ordered myself a new metal rimmed discus. It is so sweet to throw!!!! Oh happy day!
Graduation-It was a long semester for Alexa, but she made it! I poked and prodded her to get all her work done. She got MOST of it done and we survived the Senior Tea, the Scholarship Awards Ceremony, the Senior Banquet, and the Senior Awards Ceremony. She did get 3 scholarships, nothing huge, but it all helps when at school. She got the Female School Spirit Award - voted on by her classmates. Then surprise, surprise she received the Phy Ed Dept award. Each department gives an award (medallion) to a senior who demonstrates high character and commitment in that department. Alexa has really loved the Personal Fitness PE class. She apparently got perfect scores all semester. They do real life fitness activities like walking, yoga, pilates, aerobics, things they can do for the rest of their lives.
Now we just have to sit through the graduation ceremony tomorrow. I have been trying to keep my inner anger in check and remember that we sit through all these things for our child. Blah, blah, blah is how I really feel sitting there. I am not comfortable talking with all these people that I really don't know. Funny story though - We (me, Fred and Alexa) went to the Senior Banquet. We got there just as it was supposed to start and seating was very tight so we ended up sitting on a long bench-table by people we didn't know. As we were sitting there, waiting for our turn to get in the food line, Alexa itched the back of her neck, was startled and flung her hand towards the top of the table. She had found a wood tick crawling on her neck and flung it on the table! Good thing there weren't plates of food on the table because the tick would have landed right in the middle of one of them!!!! I took a tissue out of my purse, we got the critter in the tissue and thrown in the garbage.
The family sitting across from us must have thought us strange, because we handled it so matter of factly like it was no big deal. I think that was better than making a huge scene out of it. They were very nice and good company.
Now that the past couple of months have passed, I think I can remember my name. It was way too busy and I will think long and hard if asked to help with track again next year. The first thing I will do is ask who the coaches are, exactly what they expect of me and then decide. It really was fun to help the students learn to throw and put. I do know there won't be another Eagle Project in the middle of it. Life will be slower, right? I'll let you know how that works for me. :)
Have a great start to the summer! No is an acceptable word to use. I am still learning that. I will post some pictures in the next blog.
Love Ya,
Bren
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Now you understand why a journal is hard for me. . .
So I tried to be better and have done pretty well keeping current on this blog for just over a year. . . until recently. Still lots of things on my plate, I actually think I have two plates in hand.
This is Scott with his new haricut. Now he really looks older and the girls - well lets just say a 'stick' is handy. He has the materials purchased for his Eagle Project which will be delivered this week. He begins work on the dog runs for the Humane Society next Saturday. YES, a BIG project, but it will be done!!!!
Here is the cutest 'bunny' in the whole world! Korbin is already 5 months old!!! He'll hate this picture when he is a teenager, but wouldn't it be perfect in his Senior Class video?! :)
Alexa also got her hair cut. It is way cute and nice to have it short for the spring play 'A Fairy Tale - the Ever After'. It finished up tonight and the kids did a fabulous job on it. She even got the Director's Award. :)
This is Alexa as Snow White and her good friend Kaitlyn as Hedda. Hedda is the sister to Snow White's wicked step-mother and Cinderella's wicked step-mother. Guess wicked ran in the family. It was so much fun to see where this new story went with the characters we all know.
In addition to these things in my life, I was asked if I could help out with our Middle School track team. I volunteer helping the kids learn to throw the shot put and discus. I love being out there with them and the coaches are grateful I can help. It is really only for about an hour on practice days, but it feels good.
Keeping up with my workouts has been difficult and I feel it's a good week when I can workout 3-4 times. Need to keep at it though, because my 'baby tummy' will probably never go away and I can only hope to contain it. I also need to keep doing the workouts, if for no other reason than I feel so good when I am done.
We tried something new at work this past week. Our break-time conversations can go anywhere and some days it can end up on the negative side, which we happened to comment on. So we all took a turn naming 3 good things that had happened to us that day (all before 10am). It changed the mood of the whole day and I think we all felt pretty good after that.
SO. . . think of 3 good things that have happened to you today. Here are my 3:
1) The materials are all purchased for Scott's Eagle project and enough of it was on sale to save $400! Then I was able to get it tax exempt, which saved another $135! (this one was huge!!!)
2) It was a beautiful sunny day - all day.
3) I talked to all my kids today - ALL 6!!!!
Love to all and have a great week!
Bren
In addition to these things in my life, I was asked if I could help out with our Middle School track team. I volunteer helping the kids learn to throw the shot put and discus. I love being out there with them and the coaches are grateful I can help. It is really only for about an hour on practice days, but it feels good.
Keeping up with my workouts has been difficult and I feel it's a good week when I can workout 3-4 times. Need to keep at it though, because my 'baby tummy' will probably never go away and I can only hope to contain it. I also need to keep doing the workouts, if for no other reason than I feel so good when I am done.
We tried something new at work this past week. Our break-time conversations can go anywhere and some days it can end up on the negative side, which we happened to comment on. So we all took a turn naming 3 good things that had happened to us that day (all before 10am). It changed the mood of the whole day and I think we all felt pretty good after that.
SO. . . think of 3 good things that have happened to you today. Here are my 3:
1) The materials are all purchased for Scott's Eagle project and enough of it was on sale to save $400! Then I was able to get it tax exempt, which saved another $135! (this one was huge!!!)
2) It was a beautiful sunny day - all day.
3) I talked to all my kids today - ALL 6!!!!
Love to all and have a great week!
Bren
Thursday, March 15, 2012
FINALLY. . . .a little bit of time
Here's why I have been so busy and not able to take time to post anything new. :) This first picture is me and Scott at the Regional Honors Choir performance. Yes, he is much taller than me as I am wearing 3" heels. It will be interesting to see how tall he actually ends up.
Here is my smiley 'cheerio' on their firetruck ride before going to State Competition.
This is Grandma, Alexa, and myself after the awards at State. They took 3rd!!!! Everyone was so excited. It was a long year of work for the girls, (and stuntmen)
Jessica and Alexa showing us some facial expressions while holding the trophy!!!
Meg gets a photo, too! This was on Feb 29th - our only snow day. It was great snowman snow and she did a great job!!!
This is me being 'Grandma' out in Utah. I got to go out for a very quick visit the first weekend in March. Korbin was blessed on the 4th and he is so absolutely sweet! He looks a lot like his Uncle Tim at that age. I could hold and play with him for hours.
I got this really good smile the last morning I was there. I took care of him so Mom & Dad could sleep in a bit. A nice treat for all of us. Such a short weekend, but oh so worth it.
Here is the quilt that I finished for my soon-to-be great niece. Sorry about the mess - I was gone and no one watches things like Mom does. Anyway, the flower petals are not attached to the quilt except at the centers. I wasn't sure about the colors until I added the outside border and then it all just 'popped'. Very bright and colorful. I have left-over fabric and I will either make a matching pillow or animal to match.
These are my three (Alexa, Scott and Megan) who participated at District Solo & Ensemble Festival on March 10th. They performed a trio together and got a 1st on their piece. Alexa is going to State for her Musical Theater Solo, Vocal Jazz, Madrigal, and Vocal Jazz Madrigal. Megan's Madrigal is going to State, too. Then Alexa and Megan did a duet, which is also going to State. A very successful year. It was a crazy day, though. There were 13 events between these 3 kids and I was able to see and record all of them! It was amazing how it all worked out. For each event there is an accompanist and to get the performer and the accompanist there at the same time is a miracle in itself because the accompanist plays at many events for the day. It can be quite tricky, so to have it come together 13 times is amazing.
Lastly, here is my 'cow' bag. This is the gift to the Cheer Coach from all 8 seniors this year. I am calling it a Cheer First Aid Kit. I need to get a second belt to match this one and it will be complete. I couldn't find any cow prit denim/canvas, so I heat-bonded this cow print linen onto white denim. It turned out way cool for me. Usually when I begin a project without a pattern weird things happen, but this is good. I even added pockets to the lining. It just turned out quite a bit larger than what I figured, but still very nice.
I have asked the seniors to contribute to the contents. It will have items like bobby pins, hair spray, glitter spray, maybe an ice pack. Anything the cheerleaders would need could be put in it. One other thing I need to do is to spray it with ScotchGuard. That will keep it looking nice a little longer than without it.
Yup, I have been busy and we are getting closer to beginning the work on Scott's Eagle project - but aren't going there just yet or I may need some sedatives. :)
Hope everyone is well and happy!
Life's too short to be anything else,
Love Ya,
Bren
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