You know who this is for. Welcome Back.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sukkot 2008
This Sukkot is extra special for me this year. This year we actually have our own Sukkah to dwell in for the next 7 days. Due to circumstances of the previous years we always borrowed other people's sukkah's to 'dwell' in for a quick meal, but not this year.
What a lovely thing it is to watch your children play, eat and hang out in our own Sukkah. I believe we all will understand just a little more about Sukkot this year, what it means to remember the temporary dwelling that the Israelites dwelt in while in the dessert. So here are some pics of our first night of Sukkot!!
What a lovely thing it is to watch your children play, eat and hang out in our own Sukkah. I believe we all will understand just a little more about Sukkot this year, what it means to remember the temporary dwelling that the Israelites dwelt in while in the dessert. So here are some pics of our first night of Sukkot!!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Turn, Turn, Turn
This has been a season of change in our family. New job, new city, upcoming baby, another new job... the list goes on and on. Life seems to constantly be changing, evolving Some days ,as I am exhaling, I think when has enough change happened, can't we just be still.
I have seen families torn apart, lost family members, heard of children dying, witnessed people whom I thought I knew acting in ways unbecoming. Daily another change comes, a big change, and I am tired.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
You know what they say about life handing you LEMONS!
We started out with good intentions. We were bored and wanted to see something interesting, to do something fun. We all jumped into the mini van, packed out water and camera and headed out on our adventure.
Now we were told the general direction, nothing to concrete, but we felt we had a good idea where our destination was. We were told it would take about 45 min. A nice little jaunt, definitely worth the gas money for an afternoon adventure.
Around our neck of the woods there are supposedly some sand hills,you can sled down and explore. It has quite a reputation of being something worth while seeing.
After an hour and a half of driving, having seen absolutely no signs we decided enough was enough. The landscape around us was all green and flat so we knew we were way off.
The boys were really disappointed and I really needed to use the bathroom. I finally commanded my dear hubby to pull over as soon as possible because my bladder was screaming at me.
We pulled off the highway and drove down the dirt road, finally finding a spot that one could relieve herself without the curious stares of onlookers. We pulled up to a place with mounds of dirt, huge mounds, some were sand, some rock, some coal.
They boys loved it, so after taking care of business we explored and had a great time playing on our own sand hills.
We all left happy and content, especially the kids with no complaints about us getting lost.
Now we were told the general direction, nothing to concrete, but we felt we had a good idea where our destination was. We were told it would take about 45 min. A nice little jaunt, definitely worth the gas money for an afternoon adventure.
Around our neck of the woods there are supposedly some sand hills,you can sled down and explore. It has quite a reputation of being something worth while seeing.
After an hour and a half of driving, having seen absolutely no signs we decided enough was enough. The landscape around us was all green and flat so we knew we were way off.
The boys were really disappointed and I really needed to use the bathroom. I finally commanded my dear hubby to pull over as soon as possible because my bladder was screaming at me.
We pulled off the highway and drove down the dirt road, finally finding a spot that one could relieve herself without the curious stares of onlookers. We pulled up to a place with mounds of dirt, huge mounds, some were sand, some rock, some coal.
They boys loved it, so after taking care of business we explored and had a great time playing on our own sand hills.
We all left happy and content, especially the kids with no complaints about us getting lost.
Cousins
I have so many memories of my cousins. We travelled together to spend the summer holidays at our grandparents house. All day we would be out roaming the tiny town, trying to collect enough pop bottles to earn us some treats at the local candy store.
We played for countless hours at the local elementary school. Games like, mother may I, Red light green light and hide n'seek. We would spin ourselves on the merry go-round until we were just about puking. So much fun.
Christams and Easter were spent together, nothing like looking at our grandparents Christmas Tree, brimming with so many gifts you couldn't even reach out to touch the tree if you tried. The excitement of having your family around, cousins whom you barely see, to spend such a wonderful time with.
If we were the family to arrive first at our destination we would wait with nervous energy and anticipation, looking for their old buick to turn down out street.
Cousins, kids you share your life with, build your memories with, and share your family with.
Recently I spent a little time with my brother and his kids. Our boys were so excited to see their cousins again. They played hard, laughed hard and built some more memories together.
My prayer for these cousins is that they continue to play, to laugh, and to bond closer and closer. I love you guys!!
"Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends."
We played for countless hours at the local elementary school. Games like, mother may I, Red light green light and hide n'seek. We would spin ourselves on the merry go-round until we were just about puking. So much fun.
Christams and Easter were spent together, nothing like looking at our grandparents Christmas Tree, brimming with so many gifts you couldn't even reach out to touch the tree if you tried. The excitement of having your family around, cousins whom you barely see, to spend such a wonderful time with.
If we were the family to arrive first at our destination we would wait with nervous energy and anticipation, looking for their old buick to turn down out street.
Cousins, kids you share your life with, build your memories with, and share your family with.
Recently I spent a little time with my brother and his kids. Our boys were so excited to see their cousins again. They played hard, laughed hard and built some more memories together.
My prayer for these cousins is that they continue to play, to laugh, and to bond closer and closer. I love you guys!!
"Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends."
Friday, August 22, 2008
My crazy kid
It is almost a nightly routine for us, my oldest comes out of his room complaining he can't sleep. We usually allow him some quiet time in his room to calm his thoughts and settle down. On this particular night as he was in his room having some quiet time I slowly opened the door and this is what I came across.
Noah has this thing about standing on his head, as you can see :O)
A priceless moment!
Noah has this thing about standing on his head, as you can see :O)
A priceless moment!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Thankful
It's sad that it takes loss and hardship to wake us up, to shake us from the running of everyday life, to slow down and remember what we Do have. It's easy to get negative, to grumble and complain about the dog dragging in dirt, the kids acting up, the husband who leaves his underwear on the bathroom floor, the mountain of dirty dishes that you chip away at daily, yet never get caught up on. Yes the list could go on and on, and we each have our lists.
Someone very close to me is going through a separation. He often talks about missing his children, how he keeps their bedroom doors closed because it's too painful to walk pass because they aren't in them, and when he does venture in it's to smell their pillows. This is truly heartbreaking loss. As we were speaking today, my little guys came to me and whispered that they wanted to make a volcanoe and would I help. I shushed them and asked them to wait because I was on the phone talking. (Now they had interrupted me a few times already so my patience was at a low) upon resuming my conversation I stated I should go and my brother said, 'hey at least your kids are with you.'
That phrase has been running through my head, reminding me to be thankful they are here, that we are at the stage in life that we are in.
So I am trying to put aside the frustrations of life as a stay at home mom to two boys and a dirty puppy. To over look the underwear in the bathroom, and to happily chip away at the dishes.
Someone very close to me is going through a separation. He often talks about missing his children, how he keeps their bedroom doors closed because it's too painful to walk pass because they aren't in them, and when he does venture in it's to smell their pillows. This is truly heartbreaking loss. As we were speaking today, my little guys came to me and whispered that they wanted to make a volcanoe and would I help. I shushed them and asked them to wait because I was on the phone talking. (Now they had interrupted me a few times already so my patience was at a low) upon resuming my conversation I stated I should go and my brother said, 'hey at least your kids are with you.'
That phrase has been running through my head, reminding me to be thankful they are here, that we are at the stage in life that we are in.
So I am trying to put aside the frustrations of life as a stay at home mom to two boys and a dirty puppy. To over look the underwear in the bathroom, and to happily chip away at the dishes.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
"The Heart of Marriage is Memories." Bill Cosby
July 10,2008 was my 9 year wedding anniversary. I can be fairly nostalgic when it comes to momentous occasions in my life. I always look back and ask myself what I was doing at this exact time on that specific date. In keeping with that tradition I looked back on the July 10th, 1999 and here are my memories.
I remember waking up, smiling, knowing that today was my wedding day. I then recalled what had happened the night before when my ladies informed me that we were having a murder mystery party. I was told to dress as my character for the mystery party which was a loose gal with lots of makeup and a short skirt. I complied, a little nervous wondering why I was the only one getting into character, being assured they would all change once we arrived at my friends I went along. I should have known better, my closest gal pals then took me to Earl's ( a hip bar) they taped a sign to my back announcing I was a bride to be and paraded me around the bar. (Ah.. good memories)
I remember being at the hairdressers and holding back the tears as she turned me around to see my reflection in the mirror, after that moment passed one of horror replaced it as I realized I had worn a tighter, pull over your heard t-shirt. Thank goodness for my wonderful maid of honor who contorted that shirt every which way to fit over my fancy do'... thanks Tanya!
Upon arriving at the church my soon to be mother-in law informed me that the ring bearer's tux didn't fit ( leave it to my hubby not to have all his guys try things on a day before the wedding-PUNCH) So as we waited for the Best man to race back to the church with a proper tux for the ring bearer all I could focus on was seeing my man-Jay.
When those doors swung open and we finally made eye contact I saw a look come across his face that I hadn't seen before, and since that time have only seen 2 times after. It was a look of deep emotion, appreciation and LOVE. It is the same look I've seen at the birth of our sons. It's a look I will never forget.
After exchanging vows, promising to love each other through the good and bad. We were finally man and wife.
So these are my memories of this day, our special day. These are the thoughts I reflect on when our Anniversary comes along every year. These are the memories I will carry and reflect upon on all our years to come.
Friday, July 11, 2008
7 Questions..
1) What is the 1st thing you do in the morning?~I wake up to the sound of a puppy crying, I race to get dressed, get her out before she dribbles on my WHITE carpet.
2) Your most vivid memory as a child?~I had a friend named Shannon Hart, we played together all day throughout the summer. I remember how much we made each other laugh. She had an old rope swing that hung in front of her house, we use to play on that swing, making each other laugh so hard we peed our pants. We usually had to change clothes a few times a day we laughed so hard.
3) What are you most grateful for?~I am grateful for a happy marriage. I married a man who was my best friend for 7 years prior to us taking our vows. Our friendship and our love has gotten us through some VERY trying time.
4) What hobby would you like to take up?~Photography.
5) Bangs or no bangs?~Side bangs.... for now.
6) Would you ever get a Brazilian???~The thought of someone putting hot wax, then ripping the hot wax off my most tender spot.. hmmmm let me think. NO!
7) What makes you smile?~ My sleepy little sons, snuggling me in the morning...little boy morning breath and all :O)
2) Your most vivid memory as a child?~I had a friend named Shannon Hart, we played together all day throughout the summer. I remember how much we made each other laugh. She had an old rope swing that hung in front of her house, we use to play on that swing, making each other laugh so hard we peed our pants. We usually had to change clothes a few times a day we laughed so hard.
3) What are you most grateful for?~I am grateful for a happy marriage. I married a man who was my best friend for 7 years prior to us taking our vows. Our friendship and our love has gotten us through some VERY trying time.
4) What hobby would you like to take up?~Photography.
5) Bangs or no bangs?~Side bangs.... for now.
6) Would you ever get a Brazilian???~The thought of someone putting hot wax, then ripping the hot wax off my most tender spot.. hmmmm let me think. NO!
7) What makes you smile?~ My sleepy little sons, snuggling me in the morning...little boy morning breath and all :O)
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Hallelujah
I came across this song on You Tube and thought it was beautiful, especially the way these guys sang it. Hope you enjoy.....
Friday, July 04, 2008
Letting go....
I am sitting in silence, thoughts are running through my head. I want to know what thoughts are appropriate to write, to share with whomever reads this thing. It almost feels like a death, yet it's not, maybe it's worse because there is no conclusion, no finality. We are all waiting, hoping and in all honesty knowing that it's over.
A tearing has taken place, and we are all feeling the effects. Saying goodbye to a friend that you've shared your life with, laughed with and confided in is hard.
I don't know what else to say, this is where I am on my journey with this situation.
I wish you well, I wish you whole. I'm letting go...
"and when we pass through stony ground I'll gladly walk upon my knees."
A tearing has taken place, and we are all feeling the effects. Saying goodbye to a friend that you've shared your life with, laughed with and confided in is hard.
I don't know what else to say, this is where I am on my journey with this situation.
I wish you well, I wish you whole. I'm letting go...
"and when we pass through stony ground I'll gladly walk upon my knees."
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Pardon Me
I go through these times when I have nothing to say really. It's like that uncomfortable lull in a conversation that makes you want to make like a bee and buzz off. I'm trying to fight through it, I'm racking my brain trying to make an effort to find SOMETHING to write about. I have little idea's here and there going through my mind, nothing that I could write paragraphs about. I have decided to share those random thoughts, I cannot promise any type of a cohesive thought process, just consider this some thought flatulence. Here goes...
1. I have decided to make a concerted effort to go green. I am getting rid of the chemical in my house, being conscious of our waste, recycling and teaching my kids the importance of taking care of our beautiful earth.
2. My dirt heap of a backyard is consuming my thoughts. I am wondering how to landscape it, what flowers I want and where to put them. My mom has a nice color combo going on with purple pansy's and little pink roses- I may duplicate it.
3. We may be getting our pup at the end of June, and we have decided on the shepherd which I am fine with. I am mentally trying to prepare myself for what it will be like. I know there will be accidents, and a few rough nights and as of right now I feel OK with that. I keep telling myself it's like having a new born, it's rough and messy but I know this too shall pass and the enjoyment will far outweigh the messy times. :o)
4. To home school or not??? (whine) I don't know. Anyway that's a whole new topic.
5. Good ole weight loss... blah another topic I am feeling slapped around by.
6. Camping- we are considering doing it the old fashioned way, we would be sleeping in one of those nylon-y things, I believed pronounces t-en-t. Should be interesting.
You know I feel much better now. The gas pains in my mind have eased off after having released some much needed thoughts.
Toodles~
1. I have decided to make a concerted effort to go green. I am getting rid of the chemical in my house, being conscious of our waste, recycling and teaching my kids the importance of taking care of our beautiful earth.
2. My dirt heap of a backyard is consuming my thoughts. I am wondering how to landscape it, what flowers I want and where to put them. My mom has a nice color combo going on with purple pansy's and little pink roses- I may duplicate it.
3. We may be getting our pup at the end of June, and we have decided on the shepherd which I am fine with. I am mentally trying to prepare myself for what it will be like. I know there will be accidents, and a few rough nights and as of right now I feel OK with that. I keep telling myself it's like having a new born, it's rough and messy but I know this too shall pass and the enjoyment will far outweigh the messy times. :o)
4. To home school or not??? (whine) I don't know. Anyway that's a whole new topic.
5. Good ole weight loss... blah another topic I am feeling slapped around by.
6. Camping- we are considering doing it the old fashioned way, we would be sleeping in one of those nylon-y things, I believed pronounces t-en-t. Should be interesting.
You know I feel much better now. The gas pains in my mind have eased off after having released some much needed thoughts.
Toodles~
Friday, April 25, 2008
Passover 2008
'So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.' Exodus 12:14
We were all given different tasks to complete to facilitate our passover coming together. My mom prepared some of the traditional elements such as the charoset, the wine, and the lamb shank. My sister-in law hosted all of us at her house and prepared the main meal. I was responsible for writting the Haggadah ( a text read during the passover seder telling the story of the Exodus) and preparing a craft for the kids.
In having to write this Haggadah I believe I finally, after 4 years of celebrating Passover, understood what I was celebrating and why. It was a meaningful time with family, a time of personal reflection and new hope.
Here are a few pictures of our Passover!
Our Passover table
We were all given different tasks to complete to facilitate our passover coming together. My mom prepared some of the traditional elements such as the charoset, the wine, and the lamb shank. My sister-in law hosted all of us at her house and prepared the main meal. I was responsible for writting the Haggadah ( a text read during the passover seder telling the story of the Exodus) and preparing a craft for the kids.
In having to write this Haggadah I believe I finally, after 4 years of celebrating Passover, understood what I was celebrating and why. It was a meaningful time with family, a time of personal reflection and new hope.
Here are a few pictures of our Passover!
Little J and I painting his goblet
How all the kids goblets turned out-beautiful.
Our Passover table
My sister-in law saying the blessing
My sweet niece
Hand washing ceremony
My hubby reading the Exodus story to the kids
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Man's Best Friend.
I am longing for the pitter patter of little feet in my home. No, it's not the little feet you are thinking of. I am longing for the pitter patter of four little feet, a puppy.
My husband and I are going back and forth on the subject as to which type of dog we want. He is wanting a pure German Shepherd and the price tag for them is 'purely' ridiculous. He considers the great Shepherd to be the king of all dogs. The supreme in protection, intelligence and courage. Now I can't disagree on those points, I know that it's what their known for, my problem is I want the really pretty dog. My husband says the dog I want is like the ultimate blond chick, hair all wavy, smile on her face at all times. The popular dog. I know I am not being practical, I know this dog would probably lick an intruder as he robbed us. Even as I am writing this I know it sounds ridiculous, but whenever I see my beautiful Golden Retriever I WANT it.(stamping foot)
Oh well the debate will continue, I'm sure I'll lose this one and it's probably for the best.
I guess the shepherd is pretty cute too. :)
My husband and I are going back and forth on the subject as to which type of dog we want. He is wanting a pure German Shepherd and the price tag for them is 'purely' ridiculous. He considers the great Shepherd to be the king of all dogs. The supreme in protection, intelligence and courage. Now I can't disagree on those points, I know that it's what their known for, my problem is I want the really pretty dog. My husband says the dog I want is like the ultimate blond chick, hair all wavy, smile on her face at all times. The popular dog. I know I am not being practical, I know this dog would probably lick an intruder as he robbed us. Even as I am writing this I know it sounds ridiculous, but whenever I see my beautiful Golden Retriever I WANT it.(stamping foot)
Oh well the debate will continue, I'm sure I'll lose this one and it's probably for the best.
I guess the shepherd is pretty cute too. :)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
“We cannot create observers by saying "observe," but by giving them the power and the means for this observation and these means are procured through education of the senses” Maria Montessori~
We are saying good-bye to many things due to our move, one of which is Allegro Montessori School. It has been a true learning experience for our family, and we take many precious memories with us.
Our youngest attended for a short time so I feel like I can't comment much on his experience. I do know he enjoyed the teachers, made friends, and became a little more independent.
My oldest attended for almost 3 years and has matured in his academics way beyond his years. He has developed a love for geography, other cultures, math and french just to name a few. The curriculum has been so rich and he has been fulfilled in so many ways.
Some days I don't know who is more sad about leaving them or me. :)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sunkissed
I was going to write about how lousy the weather is, yet it seems to be all we, or I, am talking about so I will remain silent on the subject. Sometimes talking doesn't help but music and pictures do so....... let's close the drapes, tell the kids to take it upstairs, and let's visualize. Here is some fab summer music video's. Go ahead grab a refreshment , an alcoholic beverage is my choice, and enjoy your few minutes of paradise!
Cheers!!
Cheers!!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Grateful
"Once you begin to acknowledge random acts of kindness - both the ones you have received and the ones you have given - you can no longer believe that what you do does not matter."
- Dawna Markova
At the end of this particular night I was left deflated, exhausted and a little guilt ridden at how the day had gone with my kids. My oldest son came down from his room with a surprise for me hidden behind his back. Flowers! These flowers were the best flowers any mom could get. My little boy thought up the idea by himself, designed the flowers with his two hands and hand delivered them to me with a sheepish smile on his face.
Sometimes God really knows what you need, He knows how to melt the tension, frustration and anger. He knows what will get to you and this time it came from the thoughtfulness of my 6 year old.
- Dawna Markova
At the end of this particular night I was left deflated, exhausted and a little guilt ridden at how the day had gone with my kids. My oldest son came down from his room with a surprise for me hidden behind his back. Flowers! These flowers were the best flowers any mom could get. My little boy thought up the idea by himself, designed the flowers with his two hands and hand delivered them to me with a sheepish smile on his face.
Sometimes God really knows what you need, He knows how to melt the tension, frustration and anger. He knows what will get to you and this time it came from the thoughtfulness of my 6 year old.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Allegro Montessori Sock Hop
Strobe lights flashing, disco ball turning, ABBA's YMCA booming over the speakers and there I am with my little 4 year old shaking it! My oldest was doing what all the 'older, cooler' kids were doing, beating each other senseless with balloons and running around.
At first I sat with the other moms and we chatted and said how cute it was seeing the parents dancing with their kids. A few minutes later little J came up to me and said he wanted to dance, so I told him to go ahead and dance. "No!", he said, "I want us to dance". My friend started laughing and said, go on. Little J and I found a spot right by the huge, loud speakers and started to dance. He was having a great time and within a few minutes I was too. I was a little conservative at first, not wanting to pull all my moves out at once, but when ABBA came on my drunk girl came out. The funny thing was most of the parents who weren't dancing came on the floor once YMCA started playing. The D.J then played some great dance music afterward, I was really tempted to do my running man move, but the oh so loving words of my husband stopped me. " You are so uncool...don't ever do that in public." Whatever, so I refrained.
Here are some pics of our Sock Hop
At first I sat with the other moms and we chatted and said how cute it was seeing the parents dancing with their kids. A few minutes later little J came up to me and said he wanted to dance, so I told him to go ahead and dance. "No!", he said, "I want us to dance". My friend started laughing and said, go on. Little J and I found a spot right by the huge, loud speakers and started to dance. He was having a great time and within a few minutes I was too. I was a little conservative at first, not wanting to pull all my moves out at once, but when ABBA came on my drunk girl came out. The funny thing was most of the parents who weren't dancing came on the floor once YMCA started playing. The D.J then played some great dance music afterward, I was really tempted to do my running man move, but the oh so loving words of my husband stopped me. " You are so uncool...don't ever do that in public." Whatever, so I refrained.
Here are some pics of our Sock Hop
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