Now, here is something we haven't had in a while...a RAINY day! It isn't cold, but it is wet. The boys and I had planned on going to Knott's today. I got up this morning and saw Nikki and Dan off to school, but then went back to bed snuggling Jake when he woke up this morning. He went and played games with Grandma and I slept in until 10am!! Yay! Tom was before me. Usually the drill goes like this:
4AM Dad's Up
5:30AM Mom's Up
6AM Nikki's up and getting ready for school
7AM Mom makes Nikki's lunch
7:30AM Dad take's Nikki to school
Jake usually calls for me about now. I go up and snuggle him, talk about his dreams, Tom gets angry because we are making noise and he is always grumpy when he gets up. Then Jake gets dressed and goes downstairs and I get in bed with Tom and snuggle him for a bit. Then we both get up and I get in the shower.
8:30AM I'm showered and making beds. Jake is on the computer and Tom is watching TV under a blanket (even if it is hot).
This morning Tom was watching Mega Movers on the History Channel. He told me all about how they move rockets from the manufacturer to the launch pad while we were eating lunch.
We stopped at McDonald's drive thru for lunch on the way to Knott's, but when we got there they were closed because of the rain! Oh man! We sat in the parking lot and ate our lunch and then decided to go home and get our Build-A-Bear gift certificate and go there instead. We walked to Downtown Disney and had a great time. It wasn't raing hard, just drizzling. We played with the pine trees shaking the rain drops down on each other. We shopped a bit at the Disney Store. Jake got a new bear and dressed it up like him. And Tom got his bear a Harley and a cell phone. $50!! They had a time trying to figure out how much they could get each. They shopped for an hour! On the way home we stomped in puddles and a guys driving by said we were doing it wrong! :))
Dad and Nikki are home. We are all laying around relaxing. My Mom is coming by tonight. It's been a great day.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A Loooonnnggg Week
I'm exhausted! We have been getting this house ready to sell by cleaning out stuff we don't want, painting, and packing away things to make it look a bit larger. Here is a list of things I have done since last Tuesday.
Paint the front porch (Dan sanded it down real nice)
Cut and feed the roses in the front yard.
Paint the entry room, what do you call that? The foyer?
Clear out the shelf unit. Pack away the extra books. Take the shelf unit to the garage.
Clear out the living room of extra knic-knac's.
Clear out the big file cabinet and put it in the garage.
Clean the windows (all of them).
Clear out the kitchen extra's, like the decorations and bowls on top of the cabinets. Dan put the edges on the counter tops and the molding around the backsplash.
Scrape and paint the laundry room ceiling. Paint the walls.
Touch up the paint on the back door.
Scrape and paint the back steps and Mom's back door steps.
Clean the back yard. That's still in progress!
Paint the flower stand outside the kitchen windows.
Clean out our closet. Put Dan's dresser in the garage.
Pack up extra books from the top of the stairs bookcase.
Clear out the boys room of unused toys and clothes.
Put the glass doors back on the built in cabinet in the boys room.
Take box of extra toys and end tables out to the garage.
Scrape and paint the boys ceiling.
Clear Nikki's room of extra stuff. Go through all her things with her and cull out the trash and crap.
Take Grandma's hope chest, book shelf, and chest of drawers out to the garage.
Pack up all the things that were in there and put them in the garage.
Clean bathrooms really good.
Take Mom's extra furniture out to the garage.
Dan and I spent the day cleaning the garage and then he went to the dump. It looks great!
And now what else do we need to do?
Clean out Dan's office.
Clean out "Never Land", our storage room off the garage.
Paint the patch on the upstairs tub.
Put the door back on our closet.
And attempt to keep the house looking clean in case anyone comes to look at it. God help me!
Paint the front porch (Dan sanded it down real nice)
Cut and feed the roses in the front yard.
Paint the entry room, what do you call that? The foyer?
Clear out the shelf unit. Pack away the extra books. Take the shelf unit to the garage.
Clear out the living room of extra knic-knac's.
Clear out the big file cabinet and put it in the garage.
Clean the windows (all of them).
Clear out the kitchen extra's, like the decorations and bowls on top of the cabinets. Dan put the edges on the counter tops and the molding around the backsplash.
Scrape and paint the laundry room ceiling. Paint the walls.
Touch up the paint on the back door.
Scrape and paint the back steps and Mom's back door steps.
Clean the back yard. That's still in progress!
Paint the flower stand outside the kitchen windows.
Clean out our closet. Put Dan's dresser in the garage.
Pack up extra books from the top of the stairs bookcase.
Clear out the boys room of unused toys and clothes.
Put the glass doors back on the built in cabinet in the boys room.
Take box of extra toys and end tables out to the garage.
Scrape and paint the boys ceiling.
Clear Nikki's room of extra stuff. Go through all her things with her and cull out the trash and crap.
Take Grandma's hope chest, book shelf, and chest of drawers out to the garage.
Pack up all the things that were in there and put them in the garage.
Clean bathrooms really good.
Take Mom's extra furniture out to the garage.
Dan and I spent the day cleaning the garage and then he went to the dump. It looks great!
And now what else do we need to do?
Clean out Dan's office.
Clean out "Never Land", our storage room off the garage.
Paint the patch on the upstairs tub.
Put the door back on our closet.
And attempt to keep the house looking clean in case anyone comes to look at it. God help me!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Today's Thoughts
Several times a day I think to myself, I should blog about that tonight. But then the evening comes and I have completely forgot the inspirational thought I had. Then I write whatever comes to mind and it usually sounds like small talk at a party with my husband's co-workers.
Math came up today! I have thought of this "subject" before and my husband and I have talked about it. Nikki has had trouble in Algebra lately, not related to the work itself but the reasoning behind it. She happens to be one of those troublesome public school kids that actually wants to know the use for the information she is being force fed. Her teacher doesn't seem to have many answers for her.
I considered myself "math impaired" until about 5 years ago. Ever since 4th grade and timed multiplication tables tests I figured I was one of those "not math people". When I took electronics classes in college, I had to take Trigonometry and loved it. I had a use for those things and they made sense! But I was still bad at arithmetic. About five years ago, while at a homeschool conference, I heard a woman talk about explaining math in a better way. I couldn't believe it. I understood. I bought that curriculum and used it on myself! The boys came along for the ride and we really had fun. Now I add and subtract much faster and multiply and divide a little faster but need practice.
Dan is good at math. He can move numbers around like you wouldn't believe and Nikki has inherited that. I believe Tom and Jake will be the same way. But it isn't just numbers. They can spot patterns and shapes like you wouldn't believe. Watching Tom play with the Tangrams puzzles is amazing.
Today math came up at our park day. Pam Sooroshian was talking about math anxiety and how people become afraid of math. It was interesting to hear about her experiences with teachers in college. I have some reading to do about this subject, but it looks like most people do not use anything above arithmetic and basic algebra and geometry in our daily lives. So why do we spend so much time on it all through high school? If you only need advanced mathematical concepts in certain fields, why not only teach it to those going into those fields or those that are truly interested in it? Nikki had a great point. Why put everyone through those classes in high school (not just algebra) even if they aren't interested in the subject? Those that are so bored or angry to be there are bringing the ones that want to learn. If high school needs to be mandatory (which I do not believe), why not make it more like college and have a major? They can pick classes that they want to take. If they pass a basic math and english test they should be forced to take more of the same thing year after year.
And now I'm out of time. Tom is almost done in the tub. Both the boys needed a thorough soaking tonight because they completely covered themselves in sand at the park, including making sand castles on their heads!
Math came up today! I have thought of this "subject" before and my husband and I have talked about it. Nikki has had trouble in Algebra lately, not related to the work itself but the reasoning behind it. She happens to be one of those troublesome public school kids that actually wants to know the use for the information she is being force fed. Her teacher doesn't seem to have many answers for her.
I considered myself "math impaired" until about 5 years ago. Ever since 4th grade and timed multiplication tables tests I figured I was one of those "not math people". When I took electronics classes in college, I had to take Trigonometry and loved it. I had a use for those things and they made sense! But I was still bad at arithmetic. About five years ago, while at a homeschool conference, I heard a woman talk about explaining math in a better way. I couldn't believe it. I understood. I bought that curriculum and used it on myself! The boys came along for the ride and we really had fun. Now I add and subtract much faster and multiply and divide a little faster but need practice.
Dan is good at math. He can move numbers around like you wouldn't believe and Nikki has inherited that. I believe Tom and Jake will be the same way. But it isn't just numbers. They can spot patterns and shapes like you wouldn't believe. Watching Tom play with the Tangrams puzzles is amazing.
Today math came up at our park day. Pam Sooroshian was talking about math anxiety and how people become afraid of math. It was interesting to hear about her experiences with teachers in college. I have some reading to do about this subject, but it looks like most people do not use anything above arithmetic and basic algebra and geometry in our daily lives. So why do we spend so much time on it all through high school? If you only need advanced mathematical concepts in certain fields, why not only teach it to those going into those fields or those that are truly interested in it? Nikki had a great point. Why put everyone through those classes in high school (not just algebra) even if they aren't interested in the subject? Those that are so bored or angry to be there are bringing the ones that want to learn. If high school needs to be mandatory (which I do not believe), why not make it more like college and have a major? They can pick classes that they want to take. If they pass a basic math and english test they should be forced to take more of the same thing year after year.
And now I'm out of time. Tom is almost done in the tub. Both the boys needed a thorough soaking tonight because they completely covered themselves in sand at the park, including making sand castles on their heads!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Blah Blah Blah
What IS going on around here? Last week Tom and Jake took their first "Stripe Test" at their American Tiger Kung Fu class. They were pretty stinkin' cute. Tom is so sharp when it comes to that stuff. He is very coordinated. Jake was incredibly proud of himself when he finished the test and got his stripe. That class is proving to be worth the money for sure. The boys love it and I love watching them.
We are busy making the house ready to sell. Yes, that is what I said, SELL. We have made the decision to try and sell this house before the market drops anymore and we owe more on it than we can sell it for. We may not be able to with sales going the way they are, but it is worth a try. If it is God's will it will be done. We aren't sure what we will do after that, but we have some plans. First sell the house and then see what happens next.
Yesterday was park day in Orange. I love that group. It was hot so we left a little early.
Today was still hot and we had karate class. I painted the back porch and did the laundry. Jake's in the shower singing and singing.
So there you go!
We are busy making the house ready to sell. Yes, that is what I said, SELL. We have made the decision to try and sell this house before the market drops anymore and we owe more on it than we can sell it for. We may not be able to with sales going the way they are, but it is worth a try. If it is God's will it will be done. We aren't sure what we will do after that, but we have some plans. First sell the house and then see what happens next.
Yesterday was park day in Orange. I love that group. It was hot so we left a little early.
Today was still hot and we had karate class. I painted the back porch and did the laundry. Jake's in the shower singing and singing.
So there you go!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
New Lead Testing Law
I will apologized for the disjointed writing you are about to read. I have only had one cup of coffee so far today, it's early, and it's quiet so I had to write this now while I have the chance. I just feel so passionate about the issue that I had to get it out right now.
I feel cheated and defeated by my government more and more every day. This law has just ruined my day, seriously. I find out about it and try to read it and can't understand a single line in the damn thing. I consider myself a relatively active participant in our government. I have a high school diploma, so you would think I would be able to understand any new legislation that was enacted specifically to keep me safe without an interpreter. And what does a person have to do to keep up with what laws are being passed and when? I had not even heard of this law until weeks before it was to take effect. It sure would have been easier to keep it from being passed than to change it.
I just began making purses for children and adults this past year. I was so excited that I may be able to add to our income in this way. People liked them and I was able to make them in my spare time. But now, thanks to HR 4040, I cannot make them and sell them. Why wouldn't it be the responsibility of the fabric, thread, paint, or gem makers to be sure they aren't selling something led filled to their customers?
I recently started buying our clothes and other items from thrift stores to cut costs at home. But now I can't do that either. I have to buy my clothes from large stores and pay $15 for a pair of jeans my children will outgrow in a couple months and then throw them away.
Also, this law was enacted in response to lead found in items imported from China. The past few years many items have been recalled. So we punish all the thrift stores and crafters in the US for making products with US cotton and wood and paint. And make everyone buy their products new from large manufacturers in foreign countries. Hmmm....
I feel cheated and defeated by my government more and more every day. This law has just ruined my day, seriously. I find out about it and try to read it and can't understand a single line in the damn thing. I consider myself a relatively active participant in our government. I have a high school diploma, so you would think I would be able to understand any new legislation that was enacted specifically to keep me safe without an interpreter. And what does a person have to do to keep up with what laws are being passed and when? I had not even heard of this law until weeks before it was to take effect. It sure would have been easier to keep it from being passed than to change it.
I just began making purses for children and adults this past year. I was so excited that I may be able to add to our income in this way. People liked them and I was able to make them in my spare time. But now, thanks to HR 4040, I cannot make them and sell them. Why wouldn't it be the responsibility of the fabric, thread, paint, or gem makers to be sure they aren't selling something led filled to their customers?
I recently started buying our clothes and other items from thrift stores to cut costs at home. But now I can't do that either. I have to buy my clothes from large stores and pay $15 for a pair of jeans my children will outgrow in a couple months and then throw them away.
Also, this law was enacted in response to lead found in items imported from China. The past few years many items have been recalled. So we punish all the thrift stores and crafters in the US for making products with US cotton and wood and paint. And make everyone buy their products new from large manufacturers in foreign countries. Hmmm....
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year and Movie Review
Wow! A new year already! I know everyone says that, but it is true. I'm amazed at how quickly time flies now that I'm an adult. There was a time when, if someone had told me I had to wait a year, I would have thought it was a lifetime. But I guess everyone feels that way.
We had a party at our house this year (or last year, I guess) with our homeschool friends. It was great! We hung out, ate lots of great food, played American Idol on the Wii, and talked a lot. It was about the best party I have been to, seriously!
Today we went to the movies to see "The Tale of Despereaux". The boys and I read the book last week and loved it. But the movie was a real "disappointment". The boys said it was boring and they were right. They took every bit of sadness or ugliness out of the story. It was bland and boring. The whole point of the story was lost. Why do they do that? I understand making a book story simpler for the screen. And much of the character development is lost on the screen. But this book was simple and to the point. The story was full of sadness and struggle and triumph. The characters were simple but clear. There is no reason to change the story that dramatically. Are they really trying to shield the children from the sadness? That was the whole point. He was tiny and bad things happened to him but it all came out well because he was brave. And the same for other characters. Roscuro was completely changed. Anyway, it was terrible and I wouldn't waste your money on it. Go get the book!
Tonight, Nikki's friend Bonnie is spending the night. We shared a taco dinner with her and ice cream and now they are upstairs being completely strange. They are playing guitars and making up crazy characters and drawings. The boys and I are going to camp out in the livingroom so that they have more space.
We had a party at our house this year (or last year, I guess) with our homeschool friends. It was great! We hung out, ate lots of great food, played American Idol on the Wii, and talked a lot. It was about the best party I have been to, seriously!
Today we went to the movies to see "The Tale of Despereaux". The boys and I read the book last week and loved it. But the movie was a real "disappointment". The boys said it was boring and they were right. They took every bit of sadness or ugliness out of the story. It was bland and boring. The whole point of the story was lost. Why do they do that? I understand making a book story simpler for the screen. And much of the character development is lost on the screen. But this book was simple and to the point. The story was full of sadness and struggle and triumph. The characters were simple but clear. There is no reason to change the story that dramatically. Are they really trying to shield the children from the sadness? That was the whole point. He was tiny and bad things happened to him but it all came out well because he was brave. And the same for other characters. Roscuro was completely changed. Anyway, it was terrible and I wouldn't waste your money on it. Go get the book!
Tonight, Nikki's friend Bonnie is spending the night. We shared a taco dinner with her and ice cream and now they are upstairs being completely strange. They are playing guitars and making up crazy characters and drawings. The boys and I are going to camp out in the livingroom so that they have more space.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday!
It has been a great day! I got some chores done this morning, put away some of the Christmas decorations to make room for our New Year's Eve party. This will be my first New Year's party. I have always worked at Knott's or Disneyland on New Year's Eve and then I had small babies and never wanted to stay up late. Then we spent a couple years going to the movies and last year we were in Death Valley. This year I wanted to have a party and some of my friends are coming! Yay! Man, I am such a nerd.
ANYWAY! I took the boys to their Karate class today and they enjoyed that. Jake got a bit silly by the end of the hour because it was getting hard. We talked about what it means to be in "school". They were confused because we are taking a karate class, so doesn't that mean that they DO go to school. I told them there is a difference between wanting to know more about a subject and taking class to learn it, and going to a school and learning many subjects they have no interest. Technically, they do go to "school". It is a private school and we learn anything and everything we want. Tom commented that if he finds something interesting or has a question he asks me about it and we find out together. I told him that Dad and Nikki and I are also students at our school because we are always learning new things the same way they do. Tom wanted to know what it meant when someone asks what they've been learning. I told them the answer would be to talk about the books they are reading or the classes they are taking. And he could always ask them about current events and talk about that.
I dropped Nikki off at my Mom's work this afternoon so that they could have dinner and go see a movie together. Mom wanted to show her where she works and have her meet her friends. They still aren't home. My Mom called around dinner time and said they were having sushi for dinner and were having a lot of fun.
ANYWAY! I took the boys to their Karate class today and they enjoyed that. Jake got a bit silly by the end of the hour because it was getting hard. We talked about what it means to be in "school". They were confused because we are taking a karate class, so doesn't that mean that they DO go to school. I told them there is a difference between wanting to know more about a subject and taking class to learn it, and going to a school and learning many subjects they have no interest. Technically, they do go to "school". It is a private school and we learn anything and everything we want. Tom commented that if he finds something interesting or has a question he asks me about it and we find out together. I told him that Dad and Nikki and I are also students at our school because we are always learning new things the same way they do. Tom wanted to know what it meant when someone asks what they've been learning. I told them the answer would be to talk about the books they are reading or the classes they are taking. And he could always ask them about current events and talk about that.
I dropped Nikki off at my Mom's work this afternoon so that they could have dinner and go see a movie together. Mom wanted to show her where she works and have her meet her friends. They still aren't home. My Mom called around dinner time and said they were having sushi for dinner and were having a lot of fun.
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