Can I really have it all?

I am so proud of myself!

2009-07-15T14:43:00.006-05:00

OK - OK - I haven't blogged in, like, forever. I had some things happen, end of school year, some sad family events, and others that I just never felt like writing any of it down, but today - I was inspired.

I read a lot of money saving blogs, find on-line coupons, clip paper coupons - all in an effort to save money. I have been doing a lot of "stocking up" for when the kids go to camp or even for when school starts and I pack lunches! Today I went to Pick-n-Save and Walgreens. Wednesday is double coupon day (first 5 coupons) for Pick-n-Save, if you spend more than $25 in a transaction. I did two transactions:

Transaction 1
- Muir Organic Spaghetti Sauce 3/$9 (I had 3 $1/1 coupons from the internet that each were doubled, so I paid $1 per jar!
-V-8 2/$6 ( I had 2 $1/1 coupons from the internet that each were doubled so I paid $1 per container)
-P-n-S had a sale on candy (Buy one-Get one) so the kids each picked a candy bar. I paid $.79 for two candy bars
-I got a coupon for a free chocolate bar from a website that has "free Chocolate Fridays" (You can sign up on Fridays to receive a coupon for a free chocolate bar. I got another candy bar - paid nothing for it!
-Then to get my total up to $25, I bought a Beef Tenderloin (also on sale for $5.88/lb instead of $7.99/lb.

My total I spent was $26.64 -- my total saved was $23.79!!!

Transaction 2 was a bit bigger...I only had a few more coupons that could be doubled AND I am collecting their premiums, so I wanted to make sure my total was at least $50.
*Ground Turkey Breast was on sale for $5.99 - had a coupon for $5 off (that's $.99 for a pound of premium meat!!)
*Roundy's cheese slices were on sale for 2/$5
*Roundy's frozen vegies were on sale BOGO, bought 4 (of which 2 were free!)
*Jack's rising pizza on sale for 3/$9.99 (that's a savings of $5.58!)
*Hormel Pork loins were on sale BOGO (the cheaper one for $9.82 was free!)
*Doritos, 14 oz package (had coupon for $.98)
*Chex Mix were on sale 4/$10. I bought three. Had three $.50 coupons that were doubled for a total saving of $6.87 using P-n-S card and coupons!
*Ronzoni noodles were on sale BOGO, bought 4 (of which 2 were free!)
*McCormick taco seasonings were on sale BOGO, bought 2 (of which 1 was free!)
*Kemps Itty bits/single cups were on sale for $1 each, bought 4 but I also had two coupons for BOGO, so I actually only paid for two of them!
*Various fruits were on sale at 2/$4. I bought 2 pints of blueberries, 2 pints of raspberries, 1 cantaloupe and 1 honeydew melon (at a savings of $7)
*Skippy peanut butter was on sale BOGO (I bought 2, of which 1 was free)
*1 lb bag of peeled carrots (I had a coupon - only paid $.49 for the bag)
The rest of the items were things I needed and didn't have a coupon for...
*Canola oil ($5.99)
*Olive oil (on sale for $4.76)
*Apple cider vinegar ($.89)
*Eggs ($.75)
*Broccoli slaw ($3.49)
*Sliced Deli Ham- a little over a pound ($5.14)
*Jello pudding (2) ($1.70)
*Slivered almonds ($1.75)
*Raman noodles ($.25)
*Tumaro's tortillas - Sun dried tomato and a Garlic & pesto ($6.02)

Total out of pocket for this transaction was $84.87/Total savings was $58.33

Looking at the entire trip to Pick-n-Save...
Total spent was $111.51
Total saved was $82.12

THEN.... I went to Walgreens to start on the school supplies and get laundry detergent. I did the trip in two transactions...

Transaction 1
*All Laundry detergent was on sale for 2/$10. I had 2 $1/1 coupons and then received a $3.00 Register reward after purchasing.
*Colgate toothpaste was on sale for $2.99. I had $1/1 coupons and received a $1.00 Register reward after purchasing.

Out of pocket cost $10.64 / Total savings $7.58

Transaction 2
*Charmin toilet paper (12 roll) was on sale for $6.49 using Ad coupon. I also had a $1/1 coupon
*Notebooks were on sale for 3/$1 using Ad coupon - bought 6
*Loose leaf paper was on sale for 2/$1 using Ad coupon - bought 4
*Folders were on sale for 8/$1 using Ad coupon - bought 8
*2 pink erasers/pkg were on sale $0.29 - bought 2 packs
*Used my $4.00 of Register rewards I received in the previous transaction

Out of pocket $7.67 / Total savings $25.12

For the Walgreens total...
Out of pocket $18.31 / Savings $32.70

I am so thrilled when I can get savings like this and all on products I need and will use. My kids are happy we got some treats, we've gone almost a month and a half without any treats other than the breads that I bake. Now I need to make sure I don't start munching on them!!

Losing myself

2009-03-27T15:00:00.002-05:00

Okay so this sounds like I am emotionally changing, but that is not the impetus for this note. I have been working on losing weight. I had set a goal to get down to 125 pounds, a place I have not been since before I was married. I had gotten so mad at myself for getting up to 161 pounds. I blamed everything besides my own habits. While sitting around the house and watching TV, I learned about keeping a journal for the foods one eats and that it works. There were all these people being interviewed and they showed off those notebook journals (screw that - I need something on the internet!). I began using a site I found called Everyday Health. I was intending to prove to my doctor that there was something medically wrong as to why I could not lose weight even though I had been exercising three times a week for two years! Immediately I began to lose weight.

The goal is very close.

This past week I wanted to test myself and my own ability to maintain without keeping a journal. I figured a real challenge would be over spring break when I am in the house - a lot (especially with the weather we've had lately). I eat when I am home. Better stated, I snack (and snack and sneak snacks) when I am home all day. I weighed myself today. I am down one pound!!!! 128.2 pounds. Can I type that again just to admire that number? 128.2 pounds. Yep, loving it!

How did that happen?!? I went out drinking Friday night. I had to have consumed 2000 calories of liquor that night. I have snacked this week, but I was not sneaking them. I forced myself to get on the exercise bike. I also was “driving it like I stole it!” This is a piece of advice I received from a friend. She recently lost her husband and frequently gives profound advice to her married friends…Thank you Kate, I think the additional activities have not only helped in the weight loss but my relationship with my husband. This week has been wonderful – I am more in love with my husband than ever.

I am three pounds away from my goal. When I go back to work next week, I will go back to using the food journal. I think I will continue until I have reached my goal and maintained for a month or so. By then, the habits I've learned since August should be ingrained.

I need to thank my husband for his support. He has never been critical. If I have a bad day or even a bad week, I've received no judgments from him. When I have a good week, he makes me feel even more successful. He has always made me feel sexy and now I am starting to feel it myself.

Here's to You Grandma and Grandpa!

2008-12-30T07:58:00.006-06:00

My Grandparents have always been there for their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. They are getting older...they cannot physically "be there" even though they desire it. That is why I wanted to visit them. My folks and my family live the closest to them right now (only 2 hours away). I guess that makes us the lucky ones. Making the drive, visiting and going back home is easy to do in one day(when you are not dealing with bad winter weather). Here is a picture from our last visit with them!

Christmas time is special for us for three reasons (1) Celebrating Christmas as the time of Jesus's birth, (2) My daughter was born on the 23rd of December and (3) Grandma and Grandpa's wedding anniversary; it is the 26th of December. My family wanted to visit with my Grandparents because they just celebrated their 67th year of marriage. Are you wondering if I typed that correctly? Yes, 67 years. Amazing. Their secret? Their faith, their patience, their humor and their love. What great role models!

Here's to you Grandma and Grandpa! Thanks for being such good role models! Thanks for being you! We love you!

Merry Christmas, Santa and family

2008-12-26T14:35:00.014-06:00

One of the hardest thing about the holidays is all the food...cookies...cookies and more cookies. The kids (and I) love to decorate cut-out cookies. Here are some pictures of our fun we had and our final products! Picture 1: getting all the supplies ready:

The kids doing their thing...

The final products...yum yum yum.

Beside the yearly fun of cookies...the kids make all types of creations as school. This year our son made gingerbread houses minus the gingerbread. They use graham crackers, frosting and all types of food related items for decorating.

The Piepers did their traditional Christmas eve activities...
We had supper at my parents' home. After that, we opened gifts and then headed off to church for Christmas eve service. Every year we take a family picture in front of the tree. This is our 2008 photo!

We had a wonderful Christmas day. All our purchases were done with cash this year...a first. We've been dealing with some debt issues so with careful planning, cutting on other household spending/bills and purchasing items at a big discount, the kids were able to received some of the things they really wanted.

Santa brought our daughter some Kohler Blue Bombers clothing, an iPod, an iPod docking station/alarm clock and a few small items in her stocking. The rest of the items were from family. She loves everything! She is an appreciative receiver of gifts - so many smiles - so thankful - so gracious. I believe the fact that she knows the truth about Santa and that mom and dad bought everything might help.

Santa brought our son a new bike, a race track, a robot with remote control and a few small items in his stocking. The rest of the items were from family. Our son started off the morning as a gift snob (really pissed off the hubby and me). He acted like he hated the bike and couldn't care less about the track. All he liked was the robot. After about 3 hours, he was exited about the track and bike. I just don't know about that boy. We were about to strangle him.

We thought it was funny that each of us received some kind of footwear for Christmas this year. We thought it would be cute to take a picture!

My have things changed!

2008-12-16T12:58:00.013-06:00

I've been busy - aren't we all?

I've also been playing in a new place when I have free time - Face book. If you've missed me posting anything recently, I've been posting them there instead of here.

I read back at my previous entries...sorry for being such a bummer. I was bummed when school started (now my adrenaline never stops) and I'm always on the go, but I like it! I was really really bummed after the election, partly because Obama won, but mostly because I watched my husband work so hard and put himself out there like that and lost. I feel better. Alex may run again. We recently learned that VanAkkren put his hat in the ring to run for Mayor of Sheboygan. Should he win that race, the assembly seat opens up again and Alex could run for that position again. He is not sure if he wants to do that again - it really drained our family's energy and it really hurt us to receive the types of letters and phone calls we got last time. The things said to us were lies - yet people feel the need to propagate them.

So, as I said, things HAVE changed...my attitude, my car I drive, my size of my clothes and my hair. Even the kids are looking different. Here is a picture of me with the kids taken just today. Take a good look...

Did you figure it out? Allison had about 8 inches of hair cut off. In addition, she got her ears pierced (for her birthday...for the third time). Okay, when she turned 7, we took her to get her ears pierced for her birthday. Within a few weeks the dog jumped up on her and knocked it out. We tried to put it back in but the hole already closed in those few minutes. Try number two happened when she turned 8. This time the earrings lasted until March but then when she was allowed to change to new earrings, the holes got so infected so fast that we had to take the earrings out and let the holes close. The third time is going to be the charm. If you look at Christian, he even got his hair cut...no more scruffy hair. It's short and styled.

I want to point out and show off my hair...still red (love the color) but I wear it shorter. I have gotten so many compliments from friends, co-workers and students as to how fun and funky my new do is.

Next, my size...I started a new online food journal on July 28th this summer. I document what I eat (foods, portions, everything). It is quite an eye-opener seeing how much one can eat in a day, especially snacking. I used the site's food calculator to determine how many calories I should be taking in if I want to safely lose weight. I then saw my doctor and told him about the site and he said that everything that I was doing was safe and should proceed. However, I not only changed my diet, but continued to work out three days a week. Currently, I spin Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 5 am. It may seem early, but I enjoy it. There are a great group of women that I work out with! I am now down 21 pounds! I was wearing size 14 shorts and large shirts and now I have size 10 pants and jeans and medium for tops. I am more than halfway to my goal. I want to have a BMI that is not in the obese range - for my age and height, that puts me at 125 pounds. I only have 15 more pounds to go (okay - do the math now and figure out where I started). I realized how good I was doing when I was able to put on a dress that I haven't worn since the gift opening after Alex and I were married.

As for my car...We sold the Audi A6. It was a sad day (mainly for the hubby). It was a sexy car. It served us well. My hubby met a great group of people and became friends with them because of this car. We needed to sell it because it was going to take too much money to repair the transmission. We now purchased a Taurus X. I actually like this car. It is not something I'd turn my head at as it goes past me on the road (our Audi made heads turn). It does have seating for 6. It is better for a family, our family. Financially it is a better fit because the car payment for this car is $80 less per month than what we were paying for the Audi.

My attitude has changed. I don't know how to put into words how it is different, but I generally feel different and I exude a different attitude. I can tell from my interactions with others around me. I am feeling fulfilled with what I am doing at work. I am feeling connections with my students in the midst of teaching them about the periodic table (really, how much do you remember or care about the periodic table? My students are doing a phenomenal job of learning about it!). I am loving my career. I am looking forward to Christmas break, but not because it is a break from school, but because it is more time with my family celebrating a truly joyous time!

Tired

2008-11-05T15:56:00.003-06:00

Yes - I am physically tired. I have been up late and up VERY early...constantly working (first quarter ends today), and not eating well. I am also upset about the election results. So many emotions...My head aches; I think too much; I feel angry.

I've never declared a party...but now I never want to be a democrat.
*election fraud - you never hear of republicans leaving MPLS or Chicago to falsely register in WI...no, it's the (the bad) democrats that inflate their numbers by voting multiple times. Wisconsin has had investigations that prove election fraud is rampant in this state and these investigations are stopped by (democratic) judges and our (democratic) Governor.
*bribery - ACORN - enough said.
*intimidation - (the bad) democrats frequently came into the republican headquarters and threatened the volunteers working there. Alex and I received hate mail. We also received threatening phone calls at our house by self-professed democrats.
*the media - It is amazing that any republican can get a decent message out to people with the media as hell-bent as it is on slamming and criticizing them! There were independent studies done that told of how many negative stories were aired about Obama vs McCain. The ONLY fair network had 40% of their stories negative for both candidates was the FOX network. MSNBC was the most unfair network with negative stories about Obama happening in the teens while negative stories about McCain were occurring over 70% of the time!!!

I am sick to my stomach. I guarantee at my measly pay (less than Obama's $250K, $200K or even $150K) that my taxes will go up. I will be paying for someone else's health care, their welfare and their laziness. I will be paying more for the stuff I need because businesses will need to charge me more to make up for the taxes imposed on them! I am upset about the changes that will occur - how marriage will be defined, abortion, socialized medicine (yea - that's what will happen...)

Those that I spoke to today feel as I do. So now we will have to endure. Sigh...

Too Funny - Happy Halloween!

2008-10-23T19:08:00.003-05:00

After seeing this, Alex and I were reminded of a comedian who was using the idea of trick-or-treating to explain taxes.

Parents...if Obama gets in, we get to take a hell of a lot more candy from the kids to explain what taxes mean! Is that a good thing?!???

Stewardship

2008-10-19T12:57:00.002-05:00

A lesson taught in church this morning...yes, the pastor showed a music video. This story really touched our family in more ways than imaginable.

A Normal Day

2008-10-13T12:37:00.003-05:00

4:15 am - Alarm goes off for me to wake up, brush teeth, get on workout clothes, pack up for the day
4:30 am - Out the door, get in car - drive to Plymouth
4:50 am - Walk into Riverview school, put stuff in locker room
5:00 am - Spinning class
5:50 am - Showering, getting ready
6:30 am - Drive to PHS
6:45 am - Set up lab for today; finish correcting tests
7:55 am - Sub during my prep time
8:45 am - Teach
10:15 am - Still correcting those tests
11:32 am - Handing back the recently corrected tests; begin new chapter on the Periodic Table
12:22 pm - Eat Lunch, make this post
12:50 pm - Enter grades
1:10 pm - Teach
2:45 pm - Work at the After School Academy AND do the Detention room
4:15 pm - Negotiations Meeting with School Board
6:00 pm - Pick up kids from Alex (who is now teaching his class at SFHS)
6:30 pm - Make supper
7:30 pm - Check kids' homework, Make sure the son takes a shower and both kids get their reading in for the day
8:30 pm - Kids' bed time; Correct essays & Lab reports; plan lessons
12:00 am - go to bed, sleep for 5 hours and begin again.

And I wonder why with being a room parent, a soccer mom, a Girl Scout leader, helping with Boy Scouts, helping with Alex's campaign and part of a book club that I have no social life...AND why I am tired all the time. When will summer vacation get here?

Growing up

2008-10-06T16:06:00.002-05:00

My husband and I have been talking a lot as to when to have the talk with our daughter. Oh, not the sex talk and how your body changes...I've already started those talks with her. No, I'm talking about Santa, the Easter Bunny, St. Nick and yes, the Toothfairy. I remember CLEARLY the night my mother told me there was no Santa. I was in 4th grade (my daughter is in 4th grade). I was in the minority in my grade (being a believer, that is). My parents didn't want me getting teased in school. It happened on Christmas eve on our way to church. It sucked! I cried. I was mad. And then I had to "keep it a secret" from my little sister. I told my hubby we were going to talk to our daughter well before Christmas eve. We've been working up the nerve and the right time to talk with her. We know many in her class have older siblings and those kids in her class have been talking about 'No Santa' for a couple of years.

We did it last night.

No tears. No anger. She was quite impressed that her father and I have taken such great care in keeping her faith in Santa so strong. She was even more impressed when she thought of all her gifts - "So you and dad bought me my bike? And the guitar? The My Twinn doll? When would you do that? Where would you hide them? How did they get under the tree?" She actually smiled, like she was ready to hear it all. Then she told us to have no worries about her little brother, that she'd probably forget it all by morning. That didn't happen. She was in the bathroom with me as I am getting ready asking me more questions and I needed to tell her "not now; Your brother will be up any minute and may hear us talking." Throughout the day, my mind has wondered to my little girl, who is growing up so fast, and wondering if she is bursting inside to talk about the new information she now has.

She'll be 10 soon. She is still my little girl. My girl who now knows the truth. Losing a tooth, Christmas and Easter won't be the same. I feel sad.

My Kids

2008-10-04T20:30:00.003-05:00

Okay - today marks the "one month" date until the election; so the whole family was out today helping dad with his campaign. We were knocking on doors and dropping off literature. So as my son and I were walking along, he sees an Obama sign and says "Mom, don't look at it...it will burn out your eyes and make you a zombie!"

Next story...
Yesterday my son had a friend over to play. My son says to his friend "In my class everyone is voting for McCain." His friend replies "Yeah, my whole class is voting for McCain too." My son adds on "In Ben's class there is someone who is voting for Obama." When my son's friend asks who it is. My son named the individual and then says "I have no clue why he would do that!" The two boys sat there laughing and then went on to play Bak-gu-gon (however it is spelled). The boys are 7. Smart boys!

Next story...
My daughter and I are watching "The Mummy Returns" or whatever it is called...it's the second Mummy movie. The part with the little pygmy cannibal creatures starts and I call them pygmy cannibals. My daughter asks what a cannibal is so I define it for her. The then tells me that she no longer wants to eat their soup.
me: "Huh??"
girl: "You know, Cannibal's tomato soup"
me: "Baa haa haa haa haa...hee hee hee"

This is a great feeling!

2008-09-09T22:11:00.004-05:00

My husband did it! He has won the Primary race for the 26th assembly race and is now the Republican candidate! He won this evening by having 804 votes while his opponent had 563 votes. I am so incredibly proud of him! He now has less than 60 days to work even harder now to "dethrone" the incumbent. I am all smiles for my man!!

Mamma Mia!

2008-09-05T08:07:00.004-05:00

I am so excited! Yesterday I received my ticket to see the Musical Mamma Mia! In addition, my friend, Kim, gave me a birthday present...ABBA's GOLD CD (and I am listening to it right now!) Thank you - thank you - thank you for the CD - I am so happy right now listening to the words, the music and thinking how these songs got us through some of those morning bike rides!

Be happy listening to the music as well! (This is from the movie - which I saw as well - but nothing can beat the original!)

Envy

2008-09-03T17:14:00.002-05:00

I would like this for my kids...I would have loved to have one when I was a kid...hell, I'd play in one now as an adult! Only problem is we don't have much of a yard or any big trees so our kids (and me, too) are out of luck!

I just don't know what to title this entry

2008-08-29T08:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was our school district's district-wide inservice where the district administrator, school board president and others address all employees. During this inservice we were "trained" in blood-borne pathogens followed by a presentation on pandemics, specifically addressing that a flu pandemic will occur and that the "when" is unknown. This presentation was down right depressing. Statements like "people you know WILL die" were told to us. I cannot put into words the dismal message that was given. Then we had a video. It was to teach us how to sneeze. I don't know if it was because the presentation we just had was so gloomy, but the video had the entire auditorium in stitches. I found it this morning on the internet. It is five minutes or so, so it isn't that long.

"Why Don't We Do It In Our Sleeves?"
(be sure to click on the "Watch Video" link on the left side)

As for going back to school...I'm not sure if anyone in our family is ready for school to begin. The kids had an amazing summer. We now have more kids in the neighborhood and we constantly have someone showing up at our door asking if one or both of the kids can come out and play. In addition, both have had four great weeks at Camp-Y-Coda. Neither one of them has said anything about being excited for school to begin. As for me, when I got into my classroom, I was really depressed. It is an interior room with no windows and it feels a lot like a cave. It might be that I just turned 40. In any case, the beginning of this school year, my 18th year in teaching, I just don't seem to have my normal excited attitude as I've had in the past.

Not When She Is 9 Years Old!

2008-08-19T10:46:00.003-05:00

My daughter cried.

She cried when I took her school clothes shopping.

She cried while in the dressing room when the jeans she picked out didn't fit her.

What have I done? Have I shown so little love for my own (chubby) body that my daughter has learned to hate herself as well?

She wouldn't talk to me at first, she just sat there with tears in her eyes and her face turning red. I pleaded for her to talk to me. I got mad when she wouldn't. She finally said that she didn't want to buy any clothes because she hates the way her body is changing. (Breaking heart)

I always tell her I love her. I always tell her she is smart and beautiful and amazing in her abilities. She must also hear me say how I want to lose weight and that I think I am fat. But I exercise and I thought I talk about it in a positive way. I make healthy meals for the whole family, not just for me. So where did I go wrong?

I have always taken her into the dressing room with me when I try on clothes. I am short. For the width that I am, the pants are always too long. My pants always get hemmed. My daughter has inherited that from me. So, she finds jeans that are the "right length" and then she cannot button the pants.

Nine years old is too young to feel this way. Actually, I don't ever want my daughter to hate herself whatever age she is! No girl should be made to feel this way.

What is a mom to do?

Real Quick

2008-08-16T17:04:00.001-05:00

My husband was watching our son play RockBand. He decided to record him AND put the recording on You-Tube. Mind you, (1) he's 7 years old (2) he's playing this on Medium and (3) he's not wearing his glasses (arrrggh!).

2 weeks notice

2008-08-16T14:21:00.037-05:00

Summer Vacation is just about over for the kids and me. I have one week left with them and then I go back for inservices. The kids only have 2 weeks left of summer vacation! I am going to recap our adventures this summer, in pictures (mainly).

Our summers begin with our annual trip to the county airport for their Wings & Wheels celebration for Father's day. This year the kids made paper rockets and were able to launch them using a set-up with pipes and a 2-L soda bottle. After that, my husband took the kids for their annual ride in the airplane. This year our son was able to sit in the front seat with the pilot and was given the opportunity to hold the controls. They were able to fly over Kohler and take pictures of our house from above. My daughter also took pictures of the school and Woodlake Market. They also flew over the city of Sheboygan. This weekend was also a big race weekend for one of our friends so he (Brice) and his girlfriend (Laura) were staying with us and came out to the airport as well.

These first two are when I took the kids to Appleton to visit my friend, Annie, and her kids. We went to a local park to go letterboxing. They loved exploring, finding the hidden treasure and finding a turtle (that at first we thought was dead).

Now are my pictures from the 4th of July. Since our family was IN the parade this year, I have no pictures OF the parade, however a few friends and my parents were able to see the parade (and take a few shots), but I have not seen them yet. What I do have is a picture of is when our friend Donny spotted a tortoise in the bushes (because our dog was acting all excited). It just so happened the day before I received a "lost and found" note from a neighborhood youth. We called and sure enough, this was the missing pet. Another picture is of the Ravine Park where all of Kohler meet to listen to the Kiel band play and then enjoy the fireworks. Everyone sets out blankets and chairs (as early as the 3rd of July) to claim the best spot. No one steals the items laid out. The last one is self-explanatory and quite beautiful!

My son's teacher, Mrs. Nebel, held a party at her house for all the kids and their siblings at her home. I have a group shot of all the kids who were there. If you look above the house, you can see when this was taken...just as everybody was about to leave (a huge storm with hail was approaching). The other pictures are of my kids enjoying one of the many activities that Mrs. Nebel had for all the kids - from swimming, to the trampoline, to legos and FOOD!

Camp pictures...The kids spent a lot of time in camp. My daughter was at Girl Scout Camp (Left) and Drama camp (Below) and 3 other weeks of other camps; while my son was in Wet-n-Wild camp with his two best friends (Left & Below) and also had 3 other weeks of camps.

My son was invited by one of his best friends to be a part of the Jr. Coho Derby this year. His step father is an avid fisherman and has a really nice boat. This was my son's first time out on Lake Michigan in a boat - and fishing for that big of a fish. He caught a 4.58 lb, a 4.51 lb and a 10.12 lb King Salmon. His friend caught a King Salmon over 13 lbs so he won a trophy. In order to have the fish be "yours" the kid had to reel it in all by themselves. How exciting is that?

My Grandfather turned 90! Our family traveled to Marinette on an early Sunday morning to join my Grandparents and my parents to celebrate this. In addition, we celebrated that on August 27th, my Grandmother will be 88 (I'll be 40 on that date).

We took a trip to Green Bay to go to Bay Beach. This is always a favorite for the kids. This was the first year our daughter was tall enough to drive the bumper cars herself. They enjoyed the swings, the playground and the train. I was able to take a few pictures as my husband and daughter as they were coming down the big blue slide.

I planned another ladies luncheon with a few of the ladies I worked with when I worked at New Holstein High School (now 7 years ago). This year my friend and mentor, Judy, was unable to attend. It was too close to her 50th wedding anniversary and she had company at her home. The ladies who were able to attend Mary, Grace, Jackie, myself and Annie. We had a nice time being able to catch up on what everyone is up to - work - husbands - children - and grandchildren (not for all of us).

You may want to try these

2008-08-10T13:18:00.003-05:00

Earlier I was writing that I am trying to count my calories and keep a journal of what I am eating. Now I am searching for new and easy recipes. I really do not look for "how healthy" they are, just that I am able to determine the information so I can record it. I found two recipes that are just awesome!

Recipe #1 - Thai Chicken with Basil

Ingredients you will need... 1.3 lbs chicken breast cut in 1 by 2 inch pieces, 2 Tbls of Asian fish sauce, 1.5 Tbls soy sauce, 1 Tbls water, 1.5 Tbls sugar, 2 Tbls cooking oil, 1 large onion cut into thin slices (I prefer to use scallions - I like their flavor), 3 fresh red chiles cut into thin slices OR 0.25 tsp dried red pepper flakes, 3 cloves of garlic - minced, 1.5 cups of lightly packed fresh basil leaves

Directions... In a bowl, combine chicken with fish sauce, soy sauce, water and sugar. In a nonstick pan or wok, heat oil - add onions and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in chiles and garlic, cook for 30 sec longer. Add chicken to the hot pan. Cook until almost done, stirring about 3 minutes. Add the marinade and cook 30 seconds longer. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of basil. Serve with the remaining basil.

I do not serve rice or noodles with this, instead, I prefer to serve with green vegetables and a side of fruit. I have gotten rave reviews from my family. My biggest complement is that my son (who rarely eats meat) loves the chicken.

Recipe # 2 - Easy Beef Tenderloin

Ingredients... 3 lb beef tenderloin, 0.75 cup soy sauce (I prefer the low sodium), 1 stick of butter (that's it!!)

Directions... Melt the butter. Add the soy sauce. Put the beef tenderloin in a glass cooking dish and add the butter-soy mixture. Cook for 10 minutes at 350°. Turn over the meat and cook an addition 30 - 40 minutes (until the meat is 140°). Let it set for 5-10 minutes.

Again, I try to stay away from grains, potato or noodles with this and serve a salad, cooked vegetables and a side of fresh fruit. This 3 lb piece of meat served our family of 4 for two meals AND the kids had another meal out of it AND I made two salad topped with the meat in thin slices (with a small amount of the marinade as a dressing). The way I made so many meals out of this is portioning. I cut the whole meat into slices/portions and when I need to reheat, I only heat the amount I will need so that the other pieces do not get over-cooked. This meal was praised by my family more than any meal I have made in a long time PLUS it was sooooo easy to make. My son even ate this meat - for a total of three meals!

Fortuitous Entry

2008-08-06T10:59:00.003-05:00

I have so many different things on my mind...there will be no cohesive transitions from one point to the next and for that I am sorry...

I have a whole day to myself. What am I going to do? Both of the kids are at camp this week and my husband works from 8 - 3 pm, then must do some campaigning. His palm cards arrived and now the hours and hours of door-to-door knocking begins. I wasn't like this on Monday or Tuesday. I had gone to work and was doing inventory of the chemical supply areas, but today, nothing. I did get up and ride with Kim today; we did a hard-earned hour-and-a-half of biking. I feel good after those bike rides! The television is just a bad and wasteful idea. I turned it off so I don't get sucked in (I should really hide the remote as well).

I want to do some scrapping today. Lisa would be proud of me. I also need to thank her for the wonderful card she sent me (add to my to-do list).

Brat days has come and gone. We were to be in the parade ("Elect Alex for Assembly"), but some drunk driver had other ideas and drove into the parade route, injuring some of the observers so the parade was canceled. The injured people are doing fine now and the guy who did the damage is in jail - and that is what really matters. None-the-less, it would have been nice to get Alex's name out there in that kind of venue. I took this picture while we were waiting for our turn to go in the parade (spot #57a of many). My mother-in-law was the driver, my mother was going to resupply the handouts to hubby and me and refill the candy containers for the kids as they ran out. Do you like how we match the car???

School will be starting soon. Arrgghh. I feel like I have spent so little time this summer doing nothing and a whole lot of time keeping busy. I used to be bored over summer break and couldn't wait for the school year to begin. I have three more weeks and I go back for an in-service. Oh, that is when I turn 40! Yep, that is on my mind as well. 40. I'm moving to a new age bracket when I need to fill out my age for something. I need my mammogram. I need another colon exam. What other places do they need to investigate? Isn't this the magic age the experts say is when you need to exercise more and eat less because now the pounds will really add on? Is menopause coming soon?

Speaking of gaining weight...I found an on-line journal to keep track of my food intake and my exercise. I have been tracking my normal diet (including the snacks; I've tried really hard to NOT snack. Some days I am really successful, others I am not). I am able to see how many calories I take in and how many I use when I bike. I also do a daily morning weigh-in and enter that as well. In one week I have lost 5 pounds. It is not much when you consider my starting weight. I do have a goal. I want to be in the "not obese" section for my next BMI test I have. To do that I need to be at 125 lbs. I haven't been that since BEFORE I got married, maybe even before I was engaged. So, I am going to keep track of my food intake, keep exercising (like I have been for over three years - yes three years of YMCA classes, biking in the summers, spinning classes with my school district). I am going to see if I can change something - anything. And, I am writing it all down so that if nothing works I can go to my doctor and say, "See, I HAVE been trying and I still can't drop the weight; are you sure there isn't anything medically wrong??!?"

There is something that I am looking forward to this week...a luncheon that is planned for a few of the ladies I used to work with in New Holstein. We are planning to eat at the Brickhouse Bistro for lunch this Friday. Last week another friend from PHS had a luncheon at her house that many of us attended, and she made it a "Swap stuff" party as well. We brought things - toys, decor, clothes, books - and laid them on a table. After lunch, we drew numbers as to who would pick first and so on. Then we chose items from the table to keep. Anything not taken at the end of the party would be donated to a charity. What a way cool idea!

I guess my day of "what to do" has been filled with completing this entry and scrapping and I will also read Gap Creek, as for that is the next book chosen my the book club. I just picked it up last night. Off to have some me time!

Today is August 3rd - and that is important to me!

2008-08-03T12:20:00.003-05:00

12 years.

2 children; 3 places that we've lived; 2 jobs that I've had; 10 jobs changes my husband had (and a new business owner for the last 4 years!); 1 dog; 30 more pounds to my body; too many cars...

50 million "I love you's"; 100 million hand holds; 75 million hugs; an uncountable number of laughs...

living with and loving my husband - a priceless and unmeasurable experience!

Happy Anniversary!

If you have the time

2008-08-02T16:12:00.004-05:00

I've always been a fan of Joss Whedon's work. My most favorite is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Here is my short story (with a 30 minute long video...sorry)

So I was on the internet and saw the latest Bumbo video. My kids are fans of the first three. My mother-in-law was interested in it because the kids were interested in it. Then she told me to type in Dr. Horrible. See, my mother-in-law had heard about this while watching The View and I guess this is the newest, biggest thing on the internet. I did the search and found a short movie that stars Neil Patrick Harris AND it is created by Joss Whedon. It is also a musical...and it's funny. It was created during the writer's strike. It was created because Joss was bored and wanted to do something. If you have the time to watch this, it is funny!

I've had it all along

2008-07-25T09:23:00.006-05:00

I started a book club. We've read one book and met just a few nights ago at my house. We read The Secret Life of Bees. A real good book to start with; It has great writing, symbolism, things to think about for discussion and it's basically a girl book. It just so happens that only females are in the book club as well. Anyway, as we were talking about the story and the interaction of its characters, we focused in on the Daughters of Mary and the celebrations these women had - how they would dress up, sing, dance, eat, laugh, and love together. I remember as I read about these women, how I admired their closeness and how I wished to have that kind of passion in my life as well. I sometimes feel like Lily, an outsider looking in at established groups of women hoping to be invited so that I can fit in, belonging somewhere, belonging to someone. When we were talking in book club I said something to the fact that I wished to have the same kind of relationship with a group of women. Not really much else was said about that topic and we went on to other parts of the book.

Last night I had a few of my friends over for a few drinks and then we went to see Mamma Mia! (the movie - the stage show will be coming to Milwaukee this fall). First I need to say how much I love Abba songs. I did not know what the story was about ahead of time. Again, I was given many images on the big screen of groups of women who have an immense closeness that they just break into song and dance at the drop of a hat (actually, I really loved that about the movie). As we were leaving the movie, one of my friends (who was also at book club the night before) brought up what I had said about my desire in being a part of a close knit group and related it to the movie.

And then this morning, as I was riding my bike with Kim (oh, we hit the 20 mile mark...we biked from Kohler to Plymouth and back) we were singing Abba songs and just talking and then we were just riding without talking. When it was quiet, I was doing quite a bit of thinking and this is what I came up with.

I have that. I have what I was wishing for. It's just that we don't wear frilly and decorative hats. We don't do the conga while dancing around a statue of Mary. We don't dress in crazy clothes and put on shows singing Abba songs (however, I might try to convince Jenny, Sarah, Tina or Cat to do something like that for the annual food drive assembly that our school does every year...I think it is just crazy enough to be a blast). I have a lot of "daughters of Mary" groups in my life. I have my biking buddy, Kim. I have my friends at work who will try being a part of a book club. I have my friends at work who like doing a girls' nite out. I have my friends in Kohler who will also try being a part of a book club. I have my friends who will come and celebrate my birthday or my husband's campaign when we have a party. I have friends that feel free to ask favors of me and know that I love to help. I have friends where I can be the one asking for help and they are there for me. I have Sarah, who will get happy about our schedules matching so we can have lunch together for the next school year. I have my friends that get together and we scrapbook on a Friday night or a weekend event. I have my sister, my mom, my grandmother and my wonderful, amazing daughter.

I don't know what I was wanting...I think I just needed to open my eyes.

Ohhh sooo GROSS (and funny)!

2008-07-21T11:21:00.004-05:00

My son was playing in the kitchen with his sister - fell on his butt and was very upset because his booty was in pain. He came to me for a kiss - yes - on his butt, but I said NO!

We started giggling about how I wasn't going to kiss anyone's butt. He sat down near me, then got onto his hands and knees (sticking his butt at me) forcing me to push him away (since I will not kiss a butt). This is when my daughter entered the room and now the two of them are questioning whether a kiss on the lips will be transferred to the butt. My son says he poops my love out all the time. I said that my love was not poopable. My daughter then questioned if my love was tootable.
I replied that my love was neither poopable nor tootable. Then the rest of the questions came from them. We have now determined that my love is not poopable, tootable, peeable, pukable, pickable, burpable or bleedable.

Now, the thing that got us all laughing was to try to say this..."I do not have poopable, tootable, peeable, pukable, pickable, burpable or bleedable love!" Really - try to say this without screwing up the words...it's really fun!

Mother-Daughter Time

2008-07-17T09:56:00.005-05:00

This week my son is at camp - a really great camp as well. It is called Wet-n-wild. He has his two best friends with him as well. They swim (in a pool and in a lake); they go down a water slide; they have water gun fights; today they are at the Blue Harbor Resort at the indoor water park. My son comes home exhausted saying "do I have to go outside? I'd like to relax now". He goes to bed right away, sleeps soundly through the night and is difficult to wake for the next day.

My daughter is not at camp this week. I offered to call some of her friend's parents and arrange play dates for her. She said "No, Mom, I want to spend my time with you!"

Monday we mostly hung around the house and then went fishing.

Tuesday we rode our bikes to Sheboygan Falls, did some shopping and then met my father for lunch at a great little eatery in downtown Falls, the Bread and Bean. We sat there for just over an hour - three generations just talking about what is going on. That was real nice.

Wednesday we saw a movie. The local theater shows movies for a really small cost and that includes popcorn! We saw Nim's Island. After that we ran some minor errands, then out to lunch at another little place in Sheboygan called Field to Fork. They had excellent food from local markets (and they make their own cheeses!). Then we went over to the Entourage Salon and Spa for pedicures. We had the full treatment done and my daughter loved her first experience at having a professional pedicure. The day ended with some mighty big scares - about the time we were heading home (and to then pick up my son from the bus stop) a huge storm came and there was a tornado spotted a few miles north of our home. We headed straight home for the basement, hoping the camp was doing the right thing and had the kids in a shelter spot until the weather was clear (and they did).

Today we spent the morning cleaning up the yard from all the debris. When we walked the dog earlier, we saw numerous uprooted trees and huge branches along the roads for the village crews to pick up/mulch. Our house was lucky and we did not have any damage, but some of our neighbors have trees/branches on parts of their homes. (Yesterdays weather was the top of the news in Milwaukee AND was highlighted in the weather section of Good Morning America.) We shared a late breakfast together and played some Rock Band. I love to watch my girl jam on the guitar! After lunch we will be going over to my parent's house for an afternoon in the pool.

All in all, I'd say that my girl and I have had a terrific week of mother-daughter bonding. She has told me that she is quite happy with the time we've spent together. 9 years old is a wonderful age. She loves spending time with me, wants to do activities with me and looks to my opinion about choices she makes. She'll grow up too fast and soon my little girl will be off doing her own thing. These are the best times of my life.

Thank you my sweet girl - I love you so much!

Whazzup

2008-07-11T14:27:00.002-05:00

1. My Hubby has all his proper documentation in by the deadlines...he should be on the ballot come Nov 4th!

2. OK - so what I found was a terrific little article - I really liked what it had to say about Americans because I found truth in it. I thought I quoted the correct individual, but I have had someone comment on its origin. I haven't had time to argue the point of who the author is, and really, I do not want to. My only point was how disgusted I am with the media and more and their complaints about our current state of affairs. I admire my husband because he wants to make change by getting involved in government - not as a lifetime politician, but as a citizen taking his turn.

3. I've started the summer reading book club as I had wanted! We have our first book chosen and I am hosting the first gathering in a few weeks.

4. The kids are enjoying camp. Our daughter has even gone away to sleep-away camp with the girl scouts. Except for coming home with 40+ mosquito bites, she had a great time.

5. We saw the Spiderwick Chronicles a week ago. $2.50 a kid and popcorn included is such a deal - so much that each of my kids brought a friend with them and I didn't mind paying.

6. We were able to spend 3 days with Don and Julie - they came up bright and early on the 4th and participated in the parade with us - SOOO COOL! They came up for the 4th of July party we hosted and stayed just to hang out with us. I love that!

7. The upstairs is painted now. I found an awesome color that just pops with the white wood trim and the newly finished floor my husband worked so hard on.

8. Kim and I rode our bikes from our homes all the way to Wolf's Chrysler (it is one mile away from Hwy 57), so when you consider the round trip route, it was 18.5 miles or so. We plan to make it all the way to Hwy 57 to reach our 20 mile goal!!!

9. The kids have been able to spend some quality time with my parents. I love that. My father took my son fishing and actually watched him for an entire day while I had to fill in for my husband because he was in Madison for the day.

10. I started a Facebook page to chat with my local friends. Even found a long lost college roommate. I am attempting to find other friends, but things are going slow (I do not get to sit at the computer for long periods of time).

Jay Leno said...we should listen

2008-07-01T12:09:00.003-05:00

No matter what your political convictions are this is eye opener.
What a thankless people we are!!!

Subject: Jay Leno on President Bush (Surprising)

Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see....

As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark

'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?''

A.. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?

B.. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

C.. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

D.. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?

F.. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G.. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

I.. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.

J.. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

K.. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L.. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

M.. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it.

The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?

Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks. Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

A New Kind of Support

2008-06-17T19:56:00.002-05:00

It has become official. My husband will be running for the 26th Assembly seat for the Republican Party. He and Job Hou-Seye will be in Primary race first, then if he wins that he will run against Democrat incumbent Terry Vanakkeren.

We are treading new ground. I will need to be more than a wife, mother and teacher for the next 6 months, and should he win, I will take on even more roles with my husband needing to be in Madison frequently. My husband and I talked things over and are ready for this new commitment - this new challenge - this great opportunity!

As new information comes to light, I will share them with you. As for now - it is just this news I wanted to share.

Wish us luck!

Icing on the cake

2008-06-14T16:56:00.004-05:00

What makes my life that much more incredible?

I already know that my husband is wonderful. He is supportive and constantly tells me he loves me. That is good. Very cool.

I really do believe that my kids rock. Being a parent is work - and it should be - but I love this work and my kids make that job a whole lot of fun.

My family is the most delicious cake I devour daily (I guess that is why I am overweight - I eat too much cake)! Our friends are the sweet frosting. We have been so lucky lately being able to spend so much time with friends and make some new ones. This is my way of saying I love you all...Jon and Candy, Donny and Julie, Kim, Annie, Sarah and Catherine! I also want to say that I am thankful for making new friends...Brice and Laura, Jenny and Tina!

Countdown to Summer

2008-05-26T11:16:00.004-05:00

Just 3 weeks of school left (the kids have less than me!)

My 2008 summer to do list...

Take the kids to the Dells (in particular, Noah's Ark)
Go to the summer movie series - they are just $2.50 a movie WITH popcorn and they have movies the kids have not seen yet!
Go to the museum and the zoo in Milwaukee
Host a 4th of July Party and invite the friends
See more of Don and Julie and Jon and Candy - we had such blast with them this past weekend, we have to get together with them more often!
Exercise with Kim - ride our bikes further than we have in the past summers!
Learn how to use the new exercise thing my husband got for me.
Scrapbook
Get together with Catherine and Sarah over summer - with and without the kids!
Get the upstairs finished (painted, furnished and looking put-together)
Do my curriculum work early in the summer rather than leaving it until the last days before school begins.
Keep track of the funny quotes my kids say (for example, the kids were talking about something that their dad bought at a rummage sale and how much it cost. My son says "But you need to include the shipping and handling!"
Visit my relatives - my Grandma and Grandpa, my sister, Alex's mom and sisters
Go to the beach
Create and hide a letterbox with the kids
Begin a summer reading book club
Play more Rock Band
Have some date nights with the husband

Ups and Downs

2008-04-26T12:09:00.004-05:00

Ever get news...news that is hard to explain, to understand, to hear? Well, our family received that kind of news. My husband's mother is sick; her heart is unbelievably bad and the doctors are amazed that she is, well, alive. Telling the kids this was so difficult. Watching my husband is torture. He lost his father already and now he has been told he will lose his mother. What is inscrutable is that we are told that an end is near. That is not what is supposed to happen. I mean, everyday that I leave the house, I just assume that I will come back and be with the kids. Sure, I could get hit by a bus and die, but really, the likelihood is near nil. My husband talks to either one of his sisters or his mother just about every night now.

In the mist of this, our daughter has been watching her fish die. I know fish are fish, but my daughter bought these fish herself; the tank is in her room. She's named them! Oh, and her ghost shrimp has disappeared as well. There is a joke in there about "ghost shrimp" and "disappearing" but I can't make it right now.

So, I titled this "Ups and Downs". I should write about those ups. My husband has tested the waters of the fish tank. Fine. Talked to the fish experts - the "Rosey Reds" that my daughter bought need more space. My husband has increased that space about 10 fold. Our daughter now has a huge fish tank in her room and the remaining fish seem to be doing better. Maybe we can get a few more.

This past Thursday was "Bring you son/daughter to work day". It is always the 4th Thursday of the month of April. This year I was not the only teacher that brought a daughter! My daughter had a blast! She helped my Chemistry classes review for their test by operating the computer for our Jeopardy review game. She also helped the Physical Science class with their lab on Kinetic and Potential Energy. My students loved her visit. They thought she was adorable and smart. It was an exhausting day. When I had my normal "breaks", instead of doing my own quiet activities, I needed to "entertain" her or assist in motivating her to do her homework. When we got home, I took a nap and the kids continued playing.

Good Morning

2008-04-19T07:16:00.003-05:00

Woke up early (too early) but fell back to sleep ;-)

Talked with my husband ;-)

Snuggled with the kids in bed ;-)

The boy child wanted to read a chapter book; the girl child wanted to help. Best Friends ;-)

Making breakfast - soon going to leave for the first soccer games of the spring season ;-)

Good Morning!

The end is near - a new beginning

2008-04-17T15:42:00.002-05:00

In the last two weeks, both kids were a part of two more chess tournaments...one in Wisconsin Dells (at the Kalahari) and one hosted by KOHLER! Both kids had a blast even though neither one excelled (actually, at the Kohler tournament, our daughter ranked higher than her brother for the first time). We have one more week of chess practice and then we have the end of the year party. No more chess. Good thing we have a couple of chess sets at home - we can play anytime. The kids are playing each other right now. Cool.

This week both of the kids begin soccer. The first games are this Saturday. Our son has played for 2 years now. Our daughter was never interested until recently. She begins on a team this week.

Things are pretty exciting around here!

Mark Belling is right - again!

2008-04-15T18:43:00.004-05:00

So I was driving my husband's car. He had the radio on an AM station. He's got Sirius stuff and navigation stuff and other stuff that confuses me so when something is on the radio is stays on by default since I do not know how to turn it off. It was The Mark Belling's show.

He was talking about the idiotic idea of using ethanol for fuel and that FINALLY the liberals in Washington and at the major newspapers in New York have now realized it as well. My husband has been complaining about ethanol for over a year now and has been touting the ramifications that will occur once the government mandates its use. He even gases his car at a gas station that advertises "No ethanol sold here". Well, the ethanol insanity is finally being seen as a huge mistake. FINALLY! On a personal note - I see it when I go grocery shopping. Last week I was astonished at how much money I spent - and each month it gets worse! World wide there are disastrous effects from prices of staples increasing to destruction of virgin lands for farming to starvation. If you want to read the article from the New York Times that Belling read on the air, I have created a link here.

This is a link to the podcast where he talks about it.

The second thing that I heard about almost made me (sorry) crap my pants. I couldn't believe that I was agreeing so much with Belling with his views in illegal immigration. It began with a story of some local girls who were illegally here since they were 1 and 3 years old (parents brought them here) and now as adults are being deported, not because they did anything illegal (they didn't) but because ICE has paperwork on them because of their parents. He thought that was wrong to deport them (as do I). He viewed his opinion that the immigration laws we have here in the USA are bad (I agree as well) and need to changed greatly. Finally, he said that to deal with our current problem with illegal immigration we (the USA) should 1 - build a wall; 2 - protect our borders; and 3 - deport those illegals who have committed a crime here in the US. Why should we get rid of those that are here working hard? Why not change the laws so that those that want to be here and live a life free of crime can live here? What a brilliant idea! I have another link here for the podcast that discusses this topic as well.

Another Chess Tournament with Great Results!

2008-03-30T15:54:00.002-05:00

The kids were in another chess tournament this weekend. Both performed quite well! Our Kohler team had 4 kids in the K-5 group. The K-5 group took home the 4th place team trophy. We had two kids from the 4th grade, my daughter in the 3rd grade and my son in the first grade.

The boy child won 3 matches, had a stalemate on one match and lost two matches. He came in 13th place. The girl child won 1 match, had stalemate on one match and lost 4 matches. She came in 31st place. I am so proud of both of them! The both try so hard and do not give up trying to learn more strategies.

Also, the kids were in the local paper for a previous tournament. Click on the link and scroll down to "page 16" of the Kohler Villager. It was just about a full page article. Pretty cool.

Kohler Villager

We have two more tournaments in the next two weeks. We will be doing a lot of practicing. Wish them both lots of luck!

My Mother gave me a "Gasp"

2008-03-28T13:49:00.002-05:00

My mom complemented me on my hair.

She didn't do that much as I grew up. She liked my hair short. I grew it long. No complements.

My hair is long now. A real nice style - my hairdresser does wonders. She has even custom created the color it is right now.

Anyway, my mom complemented me on my hair, then came in for a closer look because I told her that it has been three months since my last cut and color.

She saw my gray strands.

I heard a "gasp" as she stepped back.

Yes mom, I am almost 40. I may not act it but my hair constantly reminds me that I am getting older.

I need to get to my hairdresser more often or my mom may suffer a heart attack the next time.

They may look like us...

2008-03-24T18:04:00.005-05:00

Our daughter - a reflection of her father. He cannot deny her as his.

She's becoming her own person.

1. She's read this book called Crossing the Wire as her independent project. She found it in the school library. I've done some research now that she is done (a little late). Middle and high schools have this book on their lists to read. Ok, be impressed at her reading ability - I am, but I don't think she understands the content. It is about a 15 year old boy (she hasn't lived that long) and his journey to the US from Mexico - illegally. I rationalized that she cannot understand the plight he endures, the stories of those he meets nor the wrongness of his actions for whatever his intent might be. I am just about finished reading it myself and there will be a discussion when I do. I may learn something about my daughter!

2. She is not like other kids. She didn't get all excited about Easter this year. Most kids are excited about the easter bunny - eggs - egg hunts - baskets - all the sensationalized and commercialized aspects of Easter. After all, she is a kid and kids are sucked into that more than adults. Except this year she said on several different occasions "Easter is not about the bunny, it is about how Jesus rose from the dead to give is eternal life." When I talked with her, she knew exactly what occurred on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. She didn't just spout off information - she created her own viewpoint - one with wisdom beyond her years. I need to keep talking with her. She inspires me!

Our son - a little like me. He is just as retentive and has my bright blue eyes.

1. I am anxious. I may need to someday come to terms that our son may grow up to be (sigh) a vegetarian. My husband and I are omnivores. We eat our veggies with our meat. It's a side dish. I don't know how to plan vegetarian meals and quite frankly - I don't want to learn. I am happy making pork tenderloin or chicken breasts or beef tacos. I don't like replacing beans that have a "meaty" flavor for the real thing. Right now, I just keep offering meats, and if he eats it, great; If not, it's more for the rest of us. I just hope that the eggs in the morning and the peanut butter sandwiches provide enough protein for him.

Using blogs in the classroom

2008-03-17T23:11:00.001-05:00

I want my students to not forget everything we've been working on the last two weeks. See, spring break starts in three days and we will not get to the chapter test before break. My plan? Get the kids to blog. I created a ChemChat blog site. The purpose is for me to disseminate information and for the students to share what they find or comment on a question that I may pose. If any of my friends/family have any other suggestions as to how I can use it, I'd love your input!

Here is the website!

http://chemchat.blogspot.com/

Happiness turns to ?

2008-03-15T20:59:00.003-05:00

I was mad.
No, more frustrated - grading quizzes and they really suck (not my quiz but how the kids did).
My hubby tries to cheer me up.
He sees me eying his skin - I have a pen - he says "You want to draw on me?"
YES
I'm blissful!
The kids come in.
Daddy's back is showing and I imitate drawing on his back and the kids want to draw now.
They do...
They are now ecstatic!
They ask us to draw on their feet and toes.
(I am accustomed to doing that to them - they'd make up "toe shows" - we're too poor for puppets)

The joy continues...
Daddy makes a boy face on the bottom of the boy's foot.
The boy asks me to make a mom on the other - so I draw me.

Here is when we become embarrassed...
The boy pushes the bottoms of his feet together and says "They're kissing"
He follows that with vim...he moves is feet into the horizontal position - the drawn faces still touching..."guess what they're doing now?"

Horror
Shock
Embarrassment

"They are having the 's' word"

We started a talk...
There will be more tomorrow.

Have we had an audience?
Gasp

Dear Grandma and Grandpa

2008-03-09T16:53:00.003-05:00

So, I called my grandparents yesterday after speaking to my father. He had given me both the good news and the bad news. Good News! My grandmother's cataract surgery went well. She was able to drive the next day, which was good since she had to take my grandfather to see the doctor. Bad News! My grandfather had surgery the same day as my grandmother - only his was because of a pain he was having in his abdomen. The doctor found cancer. He sees an oncologist this week. Grandma filled in all the details. Then she asked some questions of me. She didn't hear me very well. I remember one time talking to grandma and when we were just about finished I heard grandpa yelling to her in the background, "Next time let her do some talking!" Now I realized something...she talks more because she cannot hear what I have to say and that frustrates her - so, since grandma and grandpa have my blog as their favorite, I am going to write about the current goings-on of my family. Oh - I do not use names, for the kids' safety. This is for you Grandma and Grandpa!!

We are in our third quarter of school - it is hard to believe that half of this school year has already gone by. The girl child is doing so well with school - she is reading books well beyond her age level. The librarian loves that our girl child likes to challenge herself. She has completed all her multiplication tests and when the rest of the class does as well, the whole class gets an ice cream party. I have recently become concerned with ADD (attention deficit disorder) based on her concentration at home and the teacher sees many of the signs as well - so we are going to take her to the doctor this month. I do not want to medicate her, just diagnose it if true and use alternate methods to redirect her attention. The boy child is doing great in school as well. He doesn't like to read as much as the girl but he loves math and science. He's trying to do the same math work that his sister does. He has really enjoyed school this year - I think a lot of it has to do with his teacher, she is just so great with him. I believe that is why is has taken to chess. The level of thinking and planning in chess is what pushes him and he desires that! My husband has been working so hard. When he has free time he is working on home improvement tasks. He has already completed the hardwood floors and painted our daughter's room. His next project is the stairs and the walk-through room upstairs. In addition to his business, he's been working at a part time job during the day - to get him out of the house and the extra money is helping. He does his just drive work most evenings and Saturdays - doing at least 60 hours of driving a month on top of the 6 - 8 hours classroom teaching he's doing each week. I know that for some people, when you think of only 60 hours a month that it doesn't seem like a lot, but all his work is after school hours, so he works from 4 to 8:30 most days of the week and all day Saturdays. That is a lot of time away from the kids and me - but we do fine. We look forward to Saturday evenings and Sundays. Also, we look forward to summers because he doesn't work weekends at all then. Speaking of summer, I have both of the kids signed up for 4 weeks of camp at the local YMCA camp. In addition, the girl child will have a small stint at Camp Evelyn (a Girl Scout Camp) and the boy child will have a week at chess camp as well. I hope this gives them plenty of things to do this summer. As for me, I am staying busy raising a family and teaching. I am still a troop leader for our daughter's Girl Scout troop. I recently organized the Father-Daughter Dance for all the Girl Scouts of Kohler. I have been exercising a lot. The good news is at my last screening, all the numbers for my HDL, LDL, triglycerides and such that indicate heart and blood health were off the charts in a good way! I am still chunky and overweight, but I am a healthy fat person! I still try to scrap when I have time. I haven't been able to do many of my Friday scrap nights this year and I will also miss the weekend getaway next month. (Kohler is hosting a chess tournament and both the hubby and I are to be monitors - when the match is done, the kids call us over to determine if one person is really in a check mate.) One thing that we've been doing a lot of as a family is playing games. The kids love it! Anything from chess, to board games to a video game where we play instruments to songs...it is real fun when the hubby plays drums, the boy plays the bass guitar, the girl plays lead guitar and I sing.

Grandma and Grandpa - I hope that you enjoyed reading this. We hope to get up to Marinette to see you soon. We miss you very much and the kids are very concerned about both of you. We Love You Very Much!

I really like to teach

2008-03-06T13:00:00.002-06:00

I really do! I have often wondered what impact am I really having on these kids - these students that walk into my classroom for Chemistry or Physical Science. Do I really teach them anything? Will they remember the skills I try to impart on them? Why are they in my class?

I know that I have a greater influence on my own children than their teacher, even though they spend more time with their teacher than me in any given school day. The thing is, I love my children more than anything. I want them to be happy. I want them to be independent learners... to be self motivated... to think through consequences... to know someone will always care for them... to know that I will always be there for them and love them.

I have so many students who do not have that at home, or worse, try to be away from home because it is so miserable there. So I teach. I teach a content that I believe is relevant. I’m not really going to make the case. I have to assume that you already know that every object has chemical composition and that chemicals trigger every feeling you experience. Chemistry and its methods are everywhere, from the toothpaste you use after you wake up every morning to the toothpaste you use, after which you go to bed at night… But more importantly, those skills I want my own children to have...to be self motivated...think through consequences... to be an independent learner...that is what I want from my students!

As that teacher, I want my students to know that even if there is nothing at home, they are welcome at school - and people care - teachers care. I want my students to know that I care. That is why I teach. I was lucky to grow up with two loving parents. Two people who taught me everything I am today. My husband and I are that to our kids.

I am lucky - I get to be a parent and a teacher.

I do not mean to aggrandize, but...

2008-03-03T17:57:00.005-06:00

I am just a proud mother!!!! We had another chess tournament that we participated in this past weekend. This time both of the kids played. It was a grade level competition, so first graders only competed against first graders and so on. Our son captured the 10th place metal, earning 3 wins, one stalemate and one loss. He, along with the other first grader from Kohler were the first grade team and took third place. They received a trophy for that honor. These boys were so proud of that trophy...they would not let go of it. It was cute how they were attached to each other via the trophy. Finally, I told both boys to give it to their coach and then let go of it. It was hard for them, but they did it. The Kohler teams earned a second trophy for the 7th grade level as well. Our daughter had two other third graders on her team. This was the first tournament for all three of them. Our daughter earned a participation metal for coming in 60th place. She wasn't so impressed, but I was so pleased with her games. She did not win any matches but did stalemate on three of them. This was good for her to see other players and meet new people. She seems to be more attentive to the moves she makes after this experience.

Don't Pee Your Pants On This One!

2008-02-27T17:48:00.002-06:00

I am sorry that this is so small. I tried my best to add this to my blog so one could read it. Click on the picture and it should get bigger for you to read. A friend e-mailed this to me and I thought it was a hoot. Funny thing, my daughter has been in this "acting" mode for a while and she has been pretending that she lived 200+ years ago. I keep telling her I like living in this day and age...this is one more reason why I like the 21st century!

It was 1982 when I was in the 9th grade

2008-02-25T19:05:00.007-06:00

THINK BACK TO 9TH GRADE...BUT IF YOU ARE IN 9TH GRADE PLEASE DON'T DO IT. THERE'S NO FUN IN IT THEN. See how much you remember...

- Who was your best friend?Sheila K. - at least for the first part of that year; then there was a fight. She liked a guy, I was to find out what he thought. It wasn't good and I told her the truth - that is when the fighting began
- Who did you go out with?Had no steady boyfriend that year.
- What sports did you play?Volleyball - I was a setter (at 5'0" you would not expect a spiker, would you?)
- Did you buy your lunch?Yes - what ever was on the hot lunch menu.
- Skip School?NEVER. I was a geek that way, however, I did write notes for my sister.
- Did you get suspended/expelled?No
- What was your favorite class?English
- What was your school's name? Plymouth High School
-Did you go to the dances?All of them
-If you could go back would you?Uh, yeah - I teach there now.
-Where did you sit at lunch?At one of the 50 tables with my friends
- Who was your science teacher?Didn't take science that year.
- Who was your English teacher?Mrs. Wetherall
- Who was your history teacher?Uh, he was the basketball coach - that's all I can remember.
- Who was your math teacher? Mrs. S(?) - She confused me with proofs.
- Did you think you were cool?Worse, I dressed what I thought was cool on the first day of school and never lived it down. Kids all called me Pat after Pat Benatar.
-Describe your clothes?Rainbows were big - along with shoulder pads and ruffles on the collar and such. Jeans were as tight as you could roll them around the ankles. Leg warmers - mini skirts - stripes.
-Did you even have a cellphone?No, at that point in time; didn't even have a cordless phone.
-Who was your favorite teacher?Mrs Wetherall - English teacher
-What's your most memorable moment?First day of school, none I feel like sharing though.
-What's your least favorite memories? Same day as above
-What was your best accomplishment?Getting over stage fright
-What action that you regret the most?Not trying harder to stay friends with Sheila
-What did you spend the most time doing on weekends?Watching cartoons, hanging out with my friends, and daydreaming about how wonderful high school would be.
-Did you make any lifelong friendships?Uh, no. I've stayed in contact with a few people, but nothing you see in the movies and such.

We are a bunch of Guitar Heros

2008-02-23T20:06:00.007-06:00

My husband came home with a game today. Yeah, I was mad that he spent the money on this game. I'm not mad anymore...I've played the game and so have both of the kids. OMG - they are so fun to watch. My daughter is actually doing very well on the game. She's completed "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", "Slow Ride" and has attempted "Story of My Life". OK, the first time she tried it she started crying and ran out of the room (they boo-ed her off the stage), but then my husband and I played and failed as well. Then she realized that she doesn't need to be perfect to play, just have some fun. Now we are wrestling the guitar away from her so we can play. All while we were doing this, our son was just watching. He didn't want to play. He finally asked to try it in practice mode. We took a picture. He is just too damn cute with the guitar around him and staring at those notes. Actually, here he is practicing to "Slow Ride" and he gets that hip movement when he hits a note just right.

I think we have the Quick-Laughlins to thank for this. We went to their house for a Groundhog's Day party and they had Rock Band that we played. The adults all played, but not the kids - they watched. My husband had a blast with their game, but we don't have an X-Box to get the game that they have. (By the way, I totally rocked at the Q-L's playing the drums - I had a lot of fun!)

We'll need to have some friends over to play soon...

361 Boxes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-23T07:06:00.003-06:00

The Cookies are here! The Cookies are here! The Girl Scout Cookies have finally arrived!

My daughter was not able to meet her goal of 500 boxes but she did sell (with a little help from mom) 361 boxes of cookies. Here they are in our back porch awaiting organization so that we can deliver them. Yep, we will be busy for the next couple of weeks.

I need him so - I love him because...

2008-02-19T18:52:00.004-06:00

My husband is wonderful. I am going to say it again...my husband...is...wonderful. I know that I may crab occasionally about things, but those are so insignificant when I think about how he's been the last week.

Case in point - I have been sick, really sick. I was in bed for three days with a fever and junk in my head and chest. Just plain miserable. I was able to just be sick and try and get better while my husband took care of the kids and the house. Three days of this. I hated being sick. He hated Me being sick - more. But still, he handled it just fine, actually, the kitchen looked really good last night when I came out of the room.

There were times when I was so pathetic that I was crying because I felt so bad then I was crying because I was crying. Yeah, he had to deal with that as well.

My husband is a compassionate and self-sacrificing person. He made me meals, brought me medication and fluids and drew a bath for me (after cleaning the bathtub). He sat with me. He didn't ask me to get up or do anything, just sat with me so I wouldn't be alone. Today he even checked on me at school.

I love it when he makes me feel needed. I love it when he wants to take care of me. I love his great big heart.

I love him.

There is no global warming!

2008-02-10T09:13:00.000-06:00

Hello!?! How many below zero days have we had this winter? How much snow is there on the ground? When I witness first hand these kind of winter days, all the crap that Al Gore cries about in his video is just that...crap. As the scientist that I am, I know that humans do have an impact on our environment, but there are natural changes that are occurring as well, so to be dramatic about changes in the next ten or so years - I can't buy into that.

This got me thinking about a date that my hubby and I had a few months ago. We went to see a comedian. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. He had this great bit about Al Gore and global warming. I actually found it on you tube.

Happy Birthday

2008-02-09T08:19:00.001-06:00

Last Friday, the girls celebrated Kim's and Michelle's birthday. Michelle's good friend supplied us with champagne and Kim's husband made Kim a dessert and supplied strawberries and champagne as well. These are the girls.

Thanks for the ride Kim - and the laughs in car - I almost peed my pants (or was it that the seat warmer was on? ;-)

Check Mate

2008-02-09T07:26:00.000-06:00

I had written in a previous post that our son recently started playing chess. After one meeting with the chess club, he knew all the rules, how the pieces moved and even some strategies to use. That is one, 1.5 hour session of chess club. My husband and I were amazed. We let him know that and soon our daughter was at chess club as well. She has picked up on all the rules as well, but doesn't seem to enjoy the competition as our son does. So, last week, the chess club coach (a parent who enjoys the game and decided to start the club at Kohler School) called us and invited our son to join the team to a tournament at University School in the Milwaukee area. Our boy was so excited and really wanted to go - so he went down with the team at 7:30 am. Our daughter and I joined the team just after lunch. What an experience! There were 56 kids just in the K-3 group (our son's group) and about the same numbers in each of the other 3 age/skill groups.

How did he do? He lost 2 matches, stale-mated 2 matches (that's a tie) and won 2 matches! He received a metal for 25th place as well! Picture #1 is in the room where the 56 kids all compete. Picture #2 is in the play area. Imagine working hard to win a match and when you are done, coming out and playing MORE chess! That's what these kids did - ALL DAY! This extra-extra large chess board was the most popular place to hang out. Picture #3 is of our son with his metal. We were so proud of him! His very first tournament and he did so well.

Something to laugh about

2008-02-08T16:46:00.000-06:00

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment.

Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning flight.

Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, " Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she would find it.

The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight.

Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, "It is 5:00AM. Wake up."

Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests. God may have created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece.

NEWS!

2008-01-10T18:37:00.000-06:00

Last Friday our kids went to Chess practice like any other Friday, except, last Friday was a Tournament Day (we didn't know it). Our son was First Place for the K-5 category! He was so excited. He played in four matches and won each of them! Just think how he might have done had he been wearing his glasses. Yes, we are in the process now of getting his glasses. We've gone shopping to two different stores to find stylish, low maintenance, durable and cheap (we're on a budget) glasses. We may have a winner. When it's all done, I'll post a picture of our sharp looking boy.

Also, this past week our daughter received her information at the Brownie meeting for Girl Scout cookie sales. Yes, if we call or stop by, our girl will hit you up for some cookies. She has a goal of selling 500 boxes this year. I guess my goal will be to organize and distribute 500 boxes of cookies this year.

Random Stories and a Recipe

2008-01-03T19:23:00.001-06:00

I am teaching my first Chemistry class of the day today. Sam, one of my students, asks me a question which requires me to know my schedule (which I know really well). Sam says something to the fact about me REALLY knowing my schedule. Kate, another student in my class, adds on to Sam's statement with "Of course she knows stuff, she's been around a long time!" Yikes! I received a backhanded compliment!

I have another student, Chloe, who interviewed me a few weeks ago about foods that I like. Now, I like food - all kinds except seafood. Later, she shows up in my room asking if I can come down to the foods room and sample the menu she made for me based upon the interview. The menu was really good! Here is the funny thing...she made Thai-based chicken skewers. What is funny is that just 3 days earlier (for the science department Christmas party) I made the exact same thing! I didn't not talk about this kind of recipe with Chloe during our interview! I love this recipe. Chloe did an excellent job - I was so happy to brag about how yummy her chicken skewers were to her teacher! I made it tonight for the kids. That is what got me thinking about this story. I'd love to share this recipe!

1. Cut 1-2 chicken breasts into 3 - 5 inch long, 1/4 inch thick strips.
2. Make the marinade. Mix together the following ingredients:
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup of teriyaki barbecue sauce
1/3 cup of Hot water
1 tsp cilantro
1 tbl of hot mustard (I have some I bought at the oriental grocery store in Sheboygan)
3. Keep 1/4 - 1/3 of the marinade separate for a dipping sauce later. Use the remainder as a marinade. Keep chicken in the marinade for 30 - 60 minutes.
4. Place marinaded chicken on soaked or unsoaked skewers. I only soak them if I cook the chicken on the grill. In winter, I cook the chicken under the broiler and find that I can used dry skewers. I watch it until clear juices run out of the chicken and it looks cooked.

Tonight I served the chicken with fresh pineapple and fresh, parboiled peas (in the pod). I really like the colors on the plate and the variety of flavors that all complimented each other.

Last story for the day...A co-worker comes in to me today to show me how to log onto UW-Oshkosh to check for our grades (we took a class together this summer). She comes to show me because it took her and hour to figure it out and wanted to save me the time and headache. When I finally did get to my grades, I printed out a transcript. I was shocked to see grades to classes I took there in 1985 and 1986 (I was a junior and senior in high school then). I had taken college classes in high school through UW-O. That was a real throw-back for me to see grades in 1985, 1986 and 2007 - a 21 year hiatus!

p.s. I had gotten a B in English (1985), a C in Economics (1986) and an A in Women in Math, Science, Technology and Engineering (2007). With age comes intelligence! Yeah me!

HELLO 2008! 2007 was a blast!

2008-01-01T14:05:00.001-06:00

I have a wonderful husband.
I have two amazing kids.
I have great parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and more!
I love being with my friends.
I have a pretty neat job - and students.
I love my hobbies.
I think 2007 was wonderful and surprising.

I set some goals for myself at the start of 2007, most of which I think I have achieved. I feel gratified by that. I've set some new personal goals for this year. None of that "diet" or "be more organized" stuff. I already try to live a healthy lifestyle. So, as I work on my (unpublished) goals, I hope to document my progress as I blog.

As for the pictures you see in this entry...These are of our friends, Donny and Julie, from New Year's Eve. They came up to visit us for the evening. We had steaks on the grill. We drank Appletinis and an assortment of beers. We caught up on what was going on and celebrated that Julie finished her schooling and graduated today. Later, Julie had the great idea to go sledding. We live 2 blocks away from a sledding hill. We bundled up the kids, got our sleds and had a blast. Julie was in a sled and hit a ramp and had some major air - that started us on a competition. All of us, including the kids, were hitting the jump and trying to fly through the air. We also had a distance competition. We later played games, watched some television and rang in the new year. The kids tried to stay up until midnight, but alas, fell asleep.

2008 - I welcome you and am looking forward to a new year!

The 12 Days of Christmas

2007-12-30T05:33:00.000-06:00

Here I am at 5:30 in the morning at the computer. This Christmas vacation has been wonderful! I have been able to sleep in, until today. This has been awesome because before this vacation, I was getting up around 4:30 am whether it was a workout day or not. That was starting to wear me down, especially since I was staying up late correcting papers and such. It has been a while since I last posted a blog, so brace yourselves.

Day 1 – Family togetherness

This Christmas vacation started with the Pieper family driving to Wisconsin Dells just before the snowstorm arrived. We had been planning this for nearly a year when my husband’s sister had suggested it. They are part of a condo thing and were able to arrange 2 condos for the families to stay in (Our family of 4, Alex’s oldest sister’s family of 4 – the Morrisons, Alex’s other sister’s family of 4 – the Curries, and Alex’s mother). Yep, 13 of us all together. This is a picture from the front porch of ours looking out at the others - ours looked like those as well. The condos were very homey. We had a fully stocked kitchen and were able to spend many meals together in either one of the two places. Below is an awful picture of me standing in the kitchen making breakfast. I had made a lasagna supper and breakfast for two of the mornings. The menu for one morning was pancakes, eggs, sausage, breads, fruit, juices, and my specialty of bagels with egg, cheese and ham. We had tacos one day for lunch, poor boys and turkey navels on Christmas Eve and a huge ham dinner on Christmas day. I bet some of you have never heard of poor boys or turkey navels. I hadn’t either until I was integrated into the Pieper family. There is actually a story behind the turkey navels…

My husband was a small boy and was continually nagging at his father as he was making this holiday favorite. It uses (get this) white meat chicken (not turkey as the name implies), mayo, spices and almonds. Well, imagine that small boy going on and on saying “whacha doin’ …whacha makin’…” and so on until in utter desperation, his father yells “turkey navels!” The name stuck after that.

Back to the family togetherness – our family stayed at the Dells from the 22^nd until the 26^th of December and we enjoyed ourselves so much! Further details of the vacation will be written about under future days – so read on!

Day 2 – Snow fun and Snow fears.

The condo place where we were at was called Christmas Mountain, and contrary to the name, there really is no mountain but a series of big hills – hills for skiing and tubing, both of which we participated in! This was my “first time” skiing since I had children (my oldest turned 9 while were on vacation – that’s still another “day” you will read about). So with it being close to 10 years since I was last on skis, I call it my first time. In addition, this was the first for our kids as well. We opted to skip the lessons they offered for a fee too expensive for our tastes and my husband taught the kids to control their skis and how to turn and stop. They were really pretty good at it! The only thing our son and I had trouble with was the towrope. Both of us were flipped over several times by the damn thing. Actually, our son’s jacket pocket was unzipped, unbeknownst to us, until the handle of the towrope got caught on it and our son was being dragged up the hill. The guy working the station got his a** chewed by my husband and the manager by not noticing what was happening because he didn’t stop the rope, another person hit the emergency stop button. Anyway, once all of us got the hang of rope, it was a matter of staying upright. Our daughter maybe fell once or twice; she was a natural. She couldn’t wait to get on the bigger hills. And so her dad took her and she was awesome! I worked with our son to control his turns more, but he insisted that going straight down the hill was more fun. When my husband took him up on a larger hill, speed was no longer exciting, but something to avoid. I guess looking down a big slope that turned, and if you went straight there were just trees, was mighty scary for our son. For that reason, he spent the rest of the day on the bunny hill, going up slowly on the rope and going down quickly in a straight line.

On another day, almost the entire group of us went tubing. Here they have a rope that drags you while you are in the tube to the top of a hill, and then there are 3 tracks that all start at the same areas and all end in the same spot. I could see this being more fun if the tracks were not so icy. Actually we did have fun, but as a mom, I was always watching out for the other idiots who would hurt my kids because the idea of fun was all they had on their minds. We tried a group thing. Our family of 4 and the 2 teen aged Morrisons all “tied” our tubes together. Boy did we have speed. We were also safe. We waited until the people on the bottom were out of their tubes before we proceeded. We had so much speed that we got to the end of the track and went up the embankment and then started going backwards. My husband and I were trying to drag our feet to slow us/stop the movement. However, we cannot control others and someone else started down the track before we came to a stop and we plowed into each other. Our daughter got her head knocked by this guys boot. Ouch! She cried. We settled her. It wouldn’t have happened if we didn’t have so much momentum as a group, or if that guy waited until we were out of our tubes, or if there was someone monitoring the top or the bottom of the hill, spacing out people and groups appropriately. This really, really bugged by husband so he went to management to give him a piece of his mind. I just went up the towrope with the kids. When there, I waited until the person in front was out of the tube. I let one kid go. Waited. I let my other kid go. Waited. Then I went down and sure shit, the person behind me never waited for me to get out of the tube. I guess no one there was a mother. The mothers I know would do what I did. We paid for an hour of tubing and used most of it until my husband got so irritated by other people because they would walk back into the area where the tubes ended or just stand around and not watch their little kids wander off. He almost plowed into a little kid who wandered off. My sister-in-law was at the tubing hill the day before and said the tracks were much slower then. She said she didn’t see nearly as much in the way of collisions that day. We left soon after. The kids were able to be thrilled. My husband and I had fun amongst our feelings of danger. Overall the experience was good.

Day 3 - Celebrating a birthday too!
On the 23rd, we celebrated our daughter's 9th birthday. This was the day of the snow storm. We drove into town to a restaurant/bowling alley/indoor theme park/arcade. YES, all of these in one building. We stumbled upon this place during our last visit when we stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge. The restaurant is called Buffalo Phil's Grille and the amusement park is called Knuckleheads. We started out by bowling, munchies, beer and soda. After that we ate at the restaurant. Our daughter even got a birthday sundae while a dozen or so wait staff sang her "Happy Birthday". After that, my husband and I took our two kids and the youngest Morrison kid to the amusement park where they rode on several rides, including bumper cars! This place was a blast. It was starting to get dark so we opted to get going, but we wanted to stay so the kids could play in the arcade as well. When we returned to the condo, we were happy to find out that the Curries and my mother-in-law arrived at the Dells, just in time for the birthday cake I had made for my daughter. See, the night before, my 14-year old niece helped in creating the snowflakes adorning my daughter's birthday cake. I know my daughter will love the memories she has of this birthday! I have many pictures above to share in telling the story.

Day 4 - Many Cookie Monsters!
In preparation for Christmas and, in particular, Santa, I had made cut-out cookies for all the kids to decorate during our stay. Except for the youngest Morrison, who just was not interested, 5 of the cousins participated in this enjoyable activity. I had made an awesome frosting from a recipe that I received from my mother-in-law. I also brought various sprinkles and such for the kids to use. Here they are doing what they do best! I forgot to take pictures of the final products, but I will tell you that the oldest Morrison is much like me in cookie decorating - retentive. Yes, both of us spend a considerable amount of time placing the frosting in just the right place and in the right proportions to get the desired look. In addition, how sprinkles are placed is also very important. I do not know if this characteristic is inherent in the two of us, or if it comes with age, all I can say is that I am so happy that I am not the only one who enjoys making things look "perfect". Does it make the cookie taste any different? No.

Day 5 - Game Night
My husband bought a game - one to be played with just adults. It is called PervArtistry. We first played it with our siblings/siblings-in-laws. We made sure all the kids were put to bed and Grandma was sitting for the kids in the other condo. It is a team competition of pictionary and charades of terms that are for adults only. We have no pictures of this activity, and even if I did, I wouldn't be able to post the pictures we drew! We had a blast. It was one of the only activities we were able to do as just adults. I learned a few things: 1. Guys are way more perverted than females; 2. I know less than my husband, but more than one of my sister-in-laws; 3. Acting things out is difficult, drawing is easy; and 4. My husband knows more than I'd like.

Day 6 - I love vacations!
I haven't said a lot about these condos. They were really nice. My husband and I stayed in the master suite upstairs. It was huge! It had it's own bathroom with a shower and hot-tub for two. Yea, we used it. Three times. Kids took baths in it as well. On the main floor was a living room with a fire place. There was a dining area and a kitchen. The couch in the living area was a sleeper bed, and that is where our kids slept. There was a second bedroom with two twin beds. The oldest Morrison and my mother-in-law slept there. We also had two decks that we could not use (too cold, too much snow, yea, that covers it). We also had our own washer and dryer so we didn't have to come home and do huge loads of laundry. I don't know how the sleeping arrangements were in the other condo, I think it changed from night to night.

Even though we were in two condos, we were in buildings right next to each other. It was pretty easy to go from one place to another, which was nice for the cousins. They had a great time playing with each other. The oldest Morrison is 14, the Currie and Pieper kids are between ages 6 and 9 so they played well. The youngest Morrison was super with the Currie and Pieper kids. He is 11. He was so patient with all of them. He needed some alone time, which is completely understandable, but when he played with the younger kids, he did such a great job!

Although most of our meals were at the condo, we did have a meal at a restaurant before everyone arrived in the Dells. It was at the Moose Jaw Lodge. I have pictures of my family there. I think that is enough to say about the Moose Lodge.

Day 7 - The gift giving is better than receiving!
Yea, watching kids get happy about what they receive is more fun than anything I get to open. Case in point. The Morrison niece and nephew would like to make a purchase at a place that I don't have access to getting gift cards, so I made them gift certificates. It was real fun, I put in expiration dates, card numbers, pictures and a bunch of other things to personalize it. Then just put the cash behind it - rather than just giving the cash.

Another case in point. Allison got a My Twinn doll from Santa. To see her face was most delightful. I had the same joy as I watched Christian open the DS and the Star Wars Complete Saga and the Nerf Super Shot that he received from Santa. Sure, it was awesome for me to get a new digital camera that would fit in my purse. We already have this totally rockin' camera, a Canon EOS digital, but it is big and cumbersome at times. Sometimes I just want something small to carry. I have noticed that the quality of the pictures are not the same as the EOS.

I won't have many more years of this pleasure, but I love all these moments right now.

Day 8 - Time to Vent
Okay, I need to write this out. I need to say it, but I cannot gather all my thoughts in a linear time line unless I write it out first. I know this will get read. I know. I just need to say what I feel. First I need to make a few statements of evidence before I make my point.

My sister has two kids, one boy and one girl. I gave the niece a tea set for Christmas. I did this because she is of the age that my daughter was at when she became interested in tea sets. I know that not all little girls are in to tea sets, but it was something I thought about and decided this was a good gift. I was right. I gave my nephew a Connect Four game. Again, I did this because he is close to my son's age, and both of my kids like to play this game. I am not sure yet if this was a good gift for him, none-the-less, it was something I thought about carefully.

I am a teacher. I have been teaching for 17 years. 17 years having 5 classes of 20-25 students. Each of those kids (5 x 20 x 17 = 1700 students) all very unique and having their own style of learning. As a teacher, I try to find general methods that work for the majority of them, then fine tune lessons as to reach each kid. My point is that I come in contact with very unique people. I consider all activities and lessons as to reach each student. It is my job. It is my personality.

I was at a party, a book party that a friend had. She has two kids. Both are unique. One has autism. My friend, the mom of these two, researches the best techniques. I looked to her for advice. I wanted to make a purchase for my two nephews, one of which is also autistic. I carefully considered what I would purchase. I really tried hard. My sister-in-law seemed to appreciate that I was careful in this thought. She did not say this, but I heard from another voice "All autistic kids are not the same." I know that! All "normal" kids are not the same, as I stated in the earlier paragraph. However, there are some ideas that seem to work, or could be tried. I would have liked to hear, "It is so great that you care so much to really think about the kind of gift to give these boys - what a thoughtful gift!"

This was not directed at either one of my sisters-in-law. My husband needs me to say that.

Day 9 - Missing our Traditional Christmas Eve
"The true, uncorrupted spirit of Santa Claus is founded as a thankful and giving celebration of the Holiest of Holidays."
For years we've celebrated Christmas Eve by going to church, then to my parents house, then home. This year was odd. Since we were in the Dells, there was no Christmas Eve service. In my heart, I still went through the Bible stories of Christ's birth. I find I do this more now as a parent than as kid, teen or young adult. I missed our church this past Christmas. It such a friendly place to be. Every year, our population grows. More and more families with kids. It is important to me to have a faith as well as trying my best to be a good and tolerant human. I want to do right in my eyes, in the eyes of my family, in the eyes of my neighbors and in the eyes of God.

Day 10 - Going out with Friends
Upon our return we were blessed with yet another snow storm. It came on Friday. We got a lot of snow. However, one of my friends was not going to cancel our double date night and she and her husband drove to Sheboygan, from Appleton, so we could go out to eat at Stefano's Trattoria. We had an excellent meal! Actually, any words that I could think of to describe our food just would be so inadequate. You need to experience the food. Each and every time we have gone there, I have been amazed by the flavors, the drinks, the conversations, the smells - EVERYTHING! I cannot say enough thanks to my friend, Annie and her husband, for making that long and potentially scary drive in all that snow. We had a really good time - and we also hope you enjoy playing PervArtistry on New Year's Eve.

Day 11 - Reason #1, 386 and #1,387 why the Internet rocks!
Our kids got Webkinz this year. Each of my kids now have two pets to care for in the virtual world. As a matter of fact, both have been bugging me to get off the computer so that they can visit the site and see how the pets are doing. If you have kids that are computer literate (I swear they are born that way these days) your kids need to have a webkinz. My daughter was at a birthday party this week. Her friend has 9 of them. After the birthday party, she had 14 of them. That's a lot of pets to care for!
Also, I finally found the site my son loved when he was at his Grandma's house. He plays checkers and chess here. If you can not find a place that you like to play games on line, try this site!

Day 12 - I still have 3 more days of Christmas Vacation!
Is that all? Just 3 more days? I know those of you may be thinking "I can't wait until the kids go back to school". I don't think that way because when they go back to school, so do I. I still have papers to grade - lots of papers to grade - lots and lots of papers to grade. Also, we still have New Year's Eve. We are excited about that. My husband's friend and best man in our wedding will be coming with his wife. We have not seen them in a while. Yep. Just 3 more days to enjoy with my family.

Always a discovery

2007-12-17T18:38:00.000-06:00

So, my son and I were sitting on the couch together. He wanted some snuggle time with mom. I love snuggle time! He also wanted to watch Spongebob. "No" was my response. Instead I put on the news so I could hear about the weather for the week. He was okay with this. Actually, he was interested and was asking me questions about the map. (cool) When the weather was done, I decided to scroll through the channels to see what else there is to watch. I get to the Food Network and my son says "stop here". I stop. They are making a salad with apples, walnuts and cheese. Next they make a lamb chop with a cranberry-chutney sauce. I ask my son if he wants me to find something else. "No" he says, "I like learning about cooking food." This surprised me.

Earlier today, my husband was assembling our daughter's new bed. He suggested that he stop midway and only put together the bottom part of the bunk. He was kidding - in a way - but was mostly just teasing our daughter. Well, that did not sit well with her, she said to her dad, "But that would be a waste of money. Hey, I know what you mean by wasting money!" Yes, we've taught her something and she understands in a new context!

I love learning something new about my kids!

Trimming...

2007-12-16T18:54:00.000-06:00

Did you know that there are over 30 definitions for the word "trimming"? The trimming that we did this weekend was to decorate our tree. It took several days to get this done. Alex and the boy child put up the tree this past Tuesday when the girl child and I were at her Brownie meeting making Gyoza. Then Alex began the lights on Thursday and then had to stop when almost all the lights were not working (sh*#!). We didn't get a chance to buy more lights until Saturday. Part of the reason is that Alex has been putting in a lot of hours at Jimmy Johns the last few weeks. Nothing got done on Friday because we had a Christmas get-together with the others in the science department and their spouses. I'll do more on that later. So, the lights were purchased on Saturday. They went on the tree as soon as we got home. Moments after that the kids were trimming the tree. When it was all done, my husband sighed and began to reminiscence when we used to have a tree with a theme - color matched and everything. That was pre-kids. Now the theme is "kid" ornaments. What they make, what Santa brings them, etc. I do like this theme, for now. The kids put all the ornaments themselves. I put chairs near the tree, gave them some decorating tips and set them off on the task. I am quite proud of what they accomplished.

Actually, I am quite happy of everything we did this weekend. First we completed all the shopping (whew!). We needed to get gifts for the kid's teachers, the crossing guard, Alex's mom, my folks and the person for whom I am their secret Santa. We also needed to shop for winter wear - in particular, outdoor ski clothes for Alex and I. Since the last time I skied, I was many pounds lighter. Those clothes just do not fit me anymore. We also completed all the wrapping of Christmas gifts.

Alex also completed the floor in our daughter's room. We hope to bring home her new bed this week and maybe even begin the painting. Not only did he work on the room, but with all the snow, Alex was busy with snow removal. I was busy keeping the kids snow gear dry when they came in to warm up.

Apart from the shopping stuff, I managed to get the kids to the chess club on Friday after school while making peanut-soy sauce marinated chicken skewers for the science department Christmas party. I was also martini girl (brought the sour apple and lemon-drop martini fixings)!

What still needs to get done is the school work - correcting papers and such. So this is when my story must end.

Animaniacs!

2007-12-08T14:40:00.000-06:00

Last night as I was out with the ladies, my husband did a good thing.
1. He did not buy the kids fast food for supper.
2. He did not take them out to a sit-down restaurant for supper.
3. He did not just pop a video in and had them glued to the television.

What he did do was make them a supper and sat at the dinner table with them. After that he played with them (games and you-tube). We talked about what they saw, and I had such happy memories.

Time to share!

Geography Lesson: Get to know the world around you...

The Universe: I teach a unit on the universe...

Capitals/States of the US: I know Madison, Wisconsin (and a few more)...

Belch! (Haa Haa Haa)

Alright - You have to admit that these things are funny. I remember watching these all the time. I wasn't even a kid - I think it was during my first years teaching. I was a grown-up! These are classics!

10 Things I Love to Share

2007-12-08T07:02:00.000-06:00

First, let me say that there are many noteworthy items that I have wanted to share, and this week has been incredibly exhausting that I just haven't been able to sit down and share. Make sure you have 10 minutes before you continue on reading...

1. We started it. We started the renovation of our daughter's bedroom. When we bought the house 8 years ago, I painted her room. See the stenciling on the wall? All of it done by hand. It took me two days to do that. Well, now our girl wants to change her room, including the walls. So, rather than just painting the walls, my husband and I tore out the carpeting and decided to refinish the floors. We started the project last week - when we had all the snow. I am sharing photos of the project - the before, during and more during photos since we are not done yet - not even close to being done. All we have done right now are the floors and those aren't even done yet...it took my husband a good 10 hours just to remove all the stain and sand the floors. the stain was thick and old. We still are going to strip the wood baseboards, the doors and the trim around the window. Painting the walls will come next followed by making the wood beautiful by varnishing it. I know it is a lot to do, but we've been wanting to do this anyway. No time like the present.

2. I created and ordered my Christmas cards before Thanksgiving this year. My kids helped me address them (I did the writing, they did the stickers- stamps and return address labels) and we have them all mailed out! There was a lesson I learned about having kids help with the stamps. Let them know that the big sticker is NOT a stamp, but just a sticker to show what the stamp looks like. Those were very difficult to remove from the envelopes. In addition, they are not stickers for the room either. Note: remove the light switch plate and soak with fingernail polish remover.

3. I've begun and exercising program. One, I'm over-weight and need to be more in shape. Two, I should do it - it is good for me. Three - our new health insurance has a way for us to reduce our premiums by $800/year if we do certain things - one of which was to get into a regular exercising program. Our school district is offering spinning classes taught by our own faculty. I get up at 4:20 am two days a week, drive to Plymouth and get on a bike for 45 minutes with others from our district. (It is a 5 am class) We sweat! My legs get weak and I get an awesome workout! This is my first time spinning and I tell you, it is a really, really, really good workout!

4. Last weekend, with all the snow, Alex had much to do for snow removal. He's the one that operates the snowblower until he teaches me how to use it (it is new - for us). Anyway, I took a few pictures. I need to share the one I took of Alex and our daughter shoveling. Notice the winter wear that each chooses to do the job. If my husband wears a t-shirt, shorts and sandals (do you see those sandals???) for shoveling are you wondering what is worn when the grass is being cut?

5. Let me talk about St. Nick. When I was a kid, there was no St. Nick in our house. Alex's family embraced it as he was a child. Well, we have a situation now. You need to know that I get my way - and I think St. Nick is one more hype to take away from the spirit of Christmas which is not about Santa but the birth of our Christ. This is why our kids may ask for Santa three gifts for Christmas, to represent the three gifts given to Jesus by the three wise men. Off on a tangent here...so I would rather not have St. Nick visit, but our school did something. The teachers talk about St. Nick. The administration send home a "calendar" of activities for the grade school kids and on that list (can you guess what I am going to say next?) is ST NICK! So now our kids are talking about it, talking about writing letters and planning what they want. I dislike that kind of behavior. Need to nip this and nip it soon. Anyway, I didn't get my way. St. Nick came to our house.

6. My son decided he wants to learn chess. Cool! Oh yeah, no one here knows how to play chess so, now what? Well, he's started playing it online. The computer will not let him make certain moves so essentially it is teaching him some of the rules (I hope). I went to a book party about a week ago; I ordered a "rules of chess" book for him. Then just this week, we receive an e-mail from the school. KSD is starting a chess club for JK to 12th grade. He went to his first club meeting and LOVED it! He's been asking when the chess club will meet again. My mom has this handled as his birthday will be coming in January. Thanks Mom! Besides getting the e-mail from school about the chess thing, we received a letter from Human Services in regards to our son. Yikes! It seems the school did a vision screening and his eye sight is not good. I didn't know that. We have an appointment set for this week for our son to see the eye doctor.

7. I am trying to be a proactive social planner at work - I organized this year's secret Santa. I put a twist on it, with the help of last year's planner. We have themed days this year. One day will be the "Warm and Fuzzy Tree Day" where we will donate kids winter-wear in the name of our secret Santa recipient. Another day is "Sweet and Sassy Day" - we are not to obey any diet rules and make, bake or buy sweet treats. A third is "White Elephant Day" and there we recycle a bad gift and pass it on to the recipient. Fourth is "Make a Play Date" and here we give the gift of a game like sudoku books, lottery tickets, something fun. Our final day is when we meet our secret Santa and give a nice gift that they would like.

8. I am happy. I'm happy for lots of things but for entry #8, I am happy because we finally have a date night set with my friend Annie and her hubby. It's been a long time coming. Many back and forth-s (is that a word?) saying let's look at the calendar. It's done! Let's hope a snow storm does not ruin it for us.

9. I went to my scrap night last night. I was exhausted because I was up at 4:20 for my spinning class (mentioned above in #3), taught an entire day, then off to scrap. I have been falling asleep on the couch every night this week from exhaustion. I didn't think I would be able to sit up straight to scrap. I got really tired about 6 pm, but then more of the girls arrived and we began to talk. Oh, we were all funny and sharing and laughing and I got my second wind! Didn't do much for scrapping. I really need to do more scrapping. I missed the last two months, but I think that is why I did so much talking. There were others there in the same boat - they have missed a month or two and we just needed time to catch up on all our stories or vent or laugh. Thank you girls!

10. I received an e-mail today from my cousin in North Carolina, Melissa. It was nice to hear from her. She had seen the Christmas card we sent and e-mailed us of what is new. Thank you Melissa! Oh, I did receive those pictures of Grandma - I had saved them to our computer. When the computer crashed, the Geek squad was able to recover all our photos (Whew!). I am so happy that you have Grandma's china. I was not in NC often for those holiday celebrations, but was there enough to remember what it looks like. I am going to post a picture from our last visit to NC. Melissa, my aunt Toni, aunt Missy, my Grandma, my kids and me are all in this picture. Melissa - keep those e-mails coming or leave a comment!

Hilarious Physics Rap

2007-12-03T11:17:00.001-06:00

I have funny students. Some real characters. I love it when they show me their creative, intelligent sides. I have this one; he's got a lot of potential and just doesn't want to do anything considered a "norm" with it. However, he did share a funny physics video that I'd like to share as well. Just click on the link below.

hilarious physics rap

Movie Review

2007-11-26T23:25:00.000-06:00

This past weekend has been a relaxing one. Our family stayed home and we had no plans to go and do anything. However, one day my husband and I decided to take the kids to a movie. The kids really wanted to see Bee Movie, but I have not heard good reviews about it so we were not so keen on that idea. I have seen some ads for Enchanted and that looked interesting. My husband was game as well. Now it was time to try to convince the kids that they will like it. It was easier than I had anticipated.

WE LOVED THE MOVIE! The last time I enjoyed a movie this much was when my husband and I saw Stardust. The actress Amy Adams plays the lead role of Gizelle and she was perfect for that role. I swear that they had her in mind as the character was developed because she was so perfect! She perfected every expression that I had ever seen in Disney princess movies. And the movie was funny. My husband and I found ourselves laughing and enjoying everything from the various situations the characters are in, to the music and lyrics of the "Happy Working Song". That song was cute and amusing. My husband and I found ourselves singing the melody as we were walking to the car. Later in the day, we were even playing on the computer and looked for any film footage of the movie and found a site that had a clip of when that song was sung in the movie. Everything was predictable. But really, isn't that the way with all the other Disney or even children's movies? Even though it is predictable, it's an enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone. My husband told me that this movie has to be one that we buy for our video collection. I agree.

Besides seeing this movie, I also watched some movies at home. We recently installed DishNet and now have a DVR. My husband has recorded some movies that he's thought I'd enjoy. One was The Da Vinci Code. I read the book this summer and really enjoyed the read. I know that the book and movie had much controversy about it and many religious groups were outraged over the innuendos made, but I feel that if you are strong in your religion, a single book or movie is not going to change my belief system. I enjoyed the book for the suspense and mystery. I loved the puzzles that the characters solve and the way the author links puzzles from earlier in the book to later ones. The challenge it provides to one's religious beliefs allows one the opportunity to reflect, and that is a good thing. Anyway, I really enjoyed the book. The first part of the movie was enjoyable, but I was later disappointed by the movie because it did vary from the written story. In addition, when I read the book, I pictured Sir Leigh Teabing to be like Tucker from the movie There's Something About Mary. I am not saying that Ian McKellen (aka Magneto) wasn't good, he just wasn't what I had imagined and therefore it was a hard thing for me to get past. Finally, I do not remember the book dragging out the ending but I felt it happened in the movie.

There is something fun about reviewing movies. I wish I could use more creative and descriptive terms when doing so. It could be that it is midnight right now and really should be sleeping since I have work tomorrow.

The bird can't take any more stuffing

2007-11-22T21:58:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Day was really good - really, really good. We were able to watch the Packers win on the big screen; we had lots of yummy munchies to eat while watching the game and I made some very tasty mimosas; the turkey and all the other foods were well prepared and ready at the same time for consumption; and the kids were well behaved.

Being Thankful

2007-11-20T18:05:00.000-06:00

Before I sat down to write this entry, I did a bit of research. I think you could call it research since I was searching for information and opinions. About what? Thanksgiving.

My kids, year after year, learn about the pilgrims and their journey to a new land. They draw, paint and make all different kinds of artwork displaying turkeys or native American designs. But I wanted to know what others thought of Thanksgiving and giving thanks.

I found definitions, poems, quotes, articles and even blogs where there were heated discussions to the idea of giving thanks. Yes, heated discussions! This one is a blog from a year ago called Dean's world.

But I want to write about what I am thankful about...
I am thankful for my family. My husband loves me and puts up with all my neuroses and appreciates the good things I do to contribute to our relationship. My kids still vie for my attention and want me to spend time with them. They love it when we snuggle, when we have family game night and when we read books and watch movies together.
I am thankful for my parents in all that they taught me. I may not do or say what they want me to do or say, but their words are always in my thoughts and I try my best to be the same role model they were for me.
I am thankful for the family I have that are still here on this earth and for being loved by the ones that have left this world for heaven. I greatly miss my grandma and grandpa Bolding, my uncle Dana and my father-in-law - Jack Pieper.
I am thankful for my friends. They are great sounding boards. They have great ideas. They have wonderfully different perspectives. They teach me to be a better person.
I am thankful to be given the opportunity to continue the tradition of families getting together for Thanksgiving. Yes, folks, I am hosting a small gathering of some family for a Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, green and yellow beans, carrots, cucumbers, pomegranate, Jello, apple and craisin lettuce salad, and pumpkin, apple and pecan pies with ice cream or whipped topping. Yummy?
I am thankful for where I am today. I like my job and where I work. I like what I do. I like being able to share my thoughts like this. I like being a scrap booker. I like living in Kohler. I like being an American and having the opportunity to be thankful for those pilgrims who came to a new world free from religious persecution. I am thankful for being a Christian and allowed to share my beliefs with others.

This Thanksgiving I hope to let everyone know what they mean to me. Do the same!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Funny AND Smart

2007-11-15T08:18:00.000-06:00

My daughter was watching the news with my husband. There was story about a deer hunter who shot at what he thought was a deer and was successful in his shot. See, it had the coloring of a deer, but the antlers were too big and the length of the body was too long to be a deer. The hunter had the DNR come and examine the animal.

See, it was a deer. But it was also and elk. The body length and antlers were that of an elk. Supposedly this was a result of a deer and elk mating. (Did you know that it could result in offspring?)

Any way, my daughter heard all this and says to dad. "It is half deer and half elk. So, it must be a delk!":)

Okay - this is really funny if you add to this that Allison saw a movie (I haven't seen it, Open Season, but I guess in it is a line that a character says; "I'm half doe and half buck - I'm a duck!) So what Alex and I appreciate in what Allison said is that she took a line from a movie, applied it to something she heard on the news and made a damn funny joke!

Expostulate

2007-11-14T13:30:00.000-06:00

I was asked by a student today "Do you love or hate parent-teacher conferences?"

Whoa! First I didn't like the choices I was given...way too extreme. But as I thought about it, this is what my answer is:

I like seeing the genetic resemblance these kids have to their parents. I love telling kids how much they look like their mom or dad. My students hate it that they look like their mom or dad.

I like meeting the parents. It answers a lot of questions of why the student is the way he/she is. The saying "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" is often (not always) true. This can be both a compliment and a slap in the face to some parents.

I like explaining how things are run in the classroom - expectations - course requirements - activities and lessons learned. I think parents get a better picture of my class and what I am like.

I like being able to say good things about my student to the parent. I don't enjoy having to state the obvious when I have to say negative comments. I hate it when parents of a teenager say "I just don't know what to do...(my son/daughter) just doesn't do what I say." I want to yell "BE A PARENT! Set limits and enforce them!"

I hate being away from my own kids. They still miss me when I am not home. I dislike working these extra long talking days. My throat gets soar, my head aches and I crash when I get home.

I like it that parents get to see that the teachers here at PHS are hard working people. We want what is best for our students and we work hard to give them the best.

So, do I love or hate parent-teacher conferences? I think I answered it.

An Expanding Vocabulary

2007-11-12T07:51:00.000-06:00

So, my son was playing with his K'nex and made some creature/robot/being. He needed to share his creation so he went to dad.
"Dad, look what I made"
Dad takes the creation to examine it better.
Our son quickly takes his creation back from dad and says "Hey, he doesn't like to be man handled!"

Where do they get this stuff?

Why Fall Rocks

2007-11-07T17:20:00.001-06:00

Fall. I hate that it is dark so early. I really don't like frost on my windows when I need to leave for work in the morning. Did I mention it is dark then as well? I do LOVE the fun my kids have in the fall. I love the pictures my husband and I take in the fall.

First, Halloween just rocks! This year the kids picked costumes that really matched their personal interests. Our son was Obi Wan Kanobi. Did I even spell that correctly?!? I am a fan of Star Wars but our son is even more of a fan. He loves the Legos Star Wars video games, the movies, the toys and now he has the costume. Oh, did I mention that he was Darth Vader for Halloween two years ago as well? Our son IS A STAR WARS FAN! Our daughter was a pirate. She wasn't Jack Sparrow or any other movie character, no, she likes to be her own character - someone original. But really, how original can you be with a purchased costume? None-the less, she was so happy about her eye patch, the clip on earring and the sword that could do some serious damage. (It was heavy even though it was made of plastic.)

We had a blast Trick-or-Treating. We were able to walk for about an hour and a half with some of the neighborhood kids and moms. We went to one neighbor's house - Holly. WOW! She had the foyer and front room of her house all decked out to look like a dungeon. She was dressed as a witch and had potions brewing and many other really cool details - I took a picture!

Then there was today, as I was driving into Kohler, there was a plethora of leaves falling - it almost looked like it was snowing leaves. Alex had raked a huge pile of leaves for the kids to play in when they got home from school. He also had the camera ready to take a ton of pictures. I had so many favorites. I decided to put too many pictures in the entry today.

I love it when we have a good weather Fall day. The sun is out so it seems warmer than what it is in actuality. It is best when it isn't so windy, but that is hard to come by. Today was one of those days...sunny...warm...not to breezy. It was a good Fall day.

Take a look at these pictures. My kids now know how to pose for me and still just be kids. I always get such fun shots of them. I love the one of my son...look at the height that he gets with that jump! And my daughter, she is such a ham for the camera.

What did we do before You Tube???

2007-11-06T19:20:00.000-06:00

So there are days when I have a ton of work to do. If it is a day that Alex is home and can play with the kids, he gets out his laptop and connects to You Tube. There he finds all types of videos and songs that he plays for the kids. I decided to share some of their favorites.

The Muppets - Never Smile at a Crocodile -

The Muppets - Mahnahmahnah -

The Lion Sings Tonight -

The Muppets - Banana Boat song -

There are more that my husband has searched for the kids, but I cannot remember all of them. As I write this entry, the kids are coming over to the computer to view the links that I am posting. They really love this stuff!

Making a puppet

2007-11-04T23:19:00.000-06:00

So, my daughter is to read a certain number of chapter books each quarter. She meets with her teacher each week to talk about the book and set new goals for her to meet in reading the book. She never has a problem meeting and then also exceeding those goals. SHE LOVES TO READ! I love it that she loves to read! One of the books she read was The Fish in Room 11. It is about a family of mermaids/mermen that save a human child, raise him for a year while living in a cave near the ocean and then leave him for a certain human to find so that she will raise him. When the baby grows to a boy, they meet him again and then pose as humans (wheelchair bound humans) so that they can spend time with the boy. Okay, now back to the point. Allison needs to pick one book and then do a quarter project for that book. She chose to make a puppet of one of the main characters and then write a brief introduction of that character. These are pictures I took as my husband and I helped her make that puppet. I have to say that this puppet is so cool. My husband went to the craft store with our daughter to pick out supplies. We actually sewed a felt square to a Nerf ball for the head. We ironed on the face features. We sewed on each strand of hair. We made the fin and body sections from felt. The head is held firmly in place using a skewer that is pushed into the Nerf ball and extends down into the body so that there is something to hold on to. All this was made without any patterns. The design came mainly from our daughter with the technical means to put it together came from my husband and I. I made a point to have my daughter DO the work and not have the parents do all the work. I think she did a wonderful job. She is so excited about taking it to school tomorrow. I am so very proud of her as well. I'm also a little proud of myself and my husband for being creative enough with the stuff we had around the house to help put this whole thing together.

We're all so exhausted from this. I still had four sections of chemistry grades to enter this evening. End of quarters are hard work. Thank goodness there are only three more quarters to go for this school year!

Rabbit...Rabbit...Rabbit

2007-11-01T22:14:00.001-05:00

It is the first of the month. I wake early, before anyone in the house. I always do that. I quietly get myself showered and make the kids' lunches for the day. I wait in silence for when my husband awakes. I do not want to be mean and wake him too early. I hear him sneaking down the stairs as I brush my teeth. I think he thinks I do not hear him, but I do. I wait, turn around and we simultaneously say rabbit rabbit rabbit. My parents did this all the time. I do not know why I introduced this to our marriage, but I loved watching my parents battle as to who would say it first to the other. It was fun to watch and now it is fun to participate. This month we had a tie. I guess we will have to share the good luck this month. I really was not sure about the history until I did a search this evening. I found several links, but sadly, Wiki had what everybody else said in one easy to read spot. I included a link to the origin of the saying...rabbit,rabbit, rabbit

Boo! Aaaahhhh!!

2007-10-30T18:43:00.000-05:00

Boo!
This is what my son wanted when Dad helped him carve his pumpkin. Both of the kids carved their pumpkins today. My daughter's is a bit more...refined. I still have to take a picture of hers. She made hers look like a vampire. My son, he likes the gore - the gross - the ghoulish type look. I think he was successful. I just love their pumpkins. Tomorrow is trick-or-treating. I'll have pictures of that as well.

jocund

2007-10-28T13:37:00.000-05:00

The kids are playing. They have been doing this the entire 4 day weekend. They have so much fun with each other. How did I get two such smart, fun-loving, playful, well-behaved children. Yes, I did say well-behaved. At ages 8 and 6 (nearly 9 and 7), my two kids actually play really well together. They even share neighborhood friends nicely.

My husband and I do really try to set boundaries and then be consistent. It sometimes is difficult, but I see students come and go in my classroom that have had little to no boundaries set and then consistency by the parents is just not there. Our kids do not get everything they want. We can't afford getting them everything (or nearly anything) they want. What they always get is our attention, our affection and our time. Isn't that what really counts? So, the way I figure things, our kids are awesome because we've taught them to be so.

I've been gone awhile

2007-10-26T15:58:00.000-05:00

So I read my last post, and when I wrote that it was summer. It was around 80 degrees. I wasn't back to school yet and life seemed almost refreshing.

Today, although a Friday, is a vacation day. WEAC convention time. Teachers and kids get a four-day weekend. It is about 50 degrees outside. I have a box of tests and projects sitting to my right that are calling to me "correct me, correct me, give me a grade!" I hate it when they talk to me like that. Life is not so laid back and refreshing.

At least not like it was last weekend. What made last weekend so special? I was away at my scrapbooking weekend with my sister and friends. Oh, it was so much fun. So many wonderful, funny women. Such nice and grounded women...women that think much like me, have similar values, are smart and talented and caring. I needed them. I was spending time this summer with my friends either walking or riding my bike five times a week. Since school began, I have hardly seen my exercising buddies. I had to give up exercising at 6 am since I am getting ready for work at that time.

Then there is the scrapping. I hope to scan in pictures and show off some of the pages.

I actually completed 36 pages, but these are my favorites. I couldn't scan them, it seems that my scanner can only do 8.5 by 11 pages, not 12 by 12 pages, so I had to take pictures of my scrapped pictures. Seems a bit odd? Yes, but it was successful.

So much time but yet so little

2007-08-12T09:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my parents took my kids to Mt. Olympus in Wisconsin Dells. In addition, the kids slept over at the grandparent's house. So many opportunities opened up with the kids gone all day long (and all night). I could go shopping. I could clean the house from top to bottom. I could spend the day with my husband. The options were endless. What did I do?

I read. I relaxed. I scrapped. Then I did all that all over again. See, the husband thing when out the window because he wanted to spend the day at Road America with some friends - fine with me because I didn't want to be there. I used to work in a food stand at RA when I first began teaching. It was my summer job. It also sucked - as do most food service jobs. I REALLY didn't want to clean...I mean, who really wants to do that? Shopping? It will only let me realize that I am spending money I shouldn't be spending. Seeing my fat a** in a mirror is not my idea of fun. However, reading and scrapping - I do enjoy and I was able to do that without interruption. My husband and I did spend the evening together. That was great. We even treated ourselves to a late night at the movie theatre. Both of us were able to sleep in as well.

On the note of scrapping, I just received notification of a scrap weekend that will occur in October. I do this twice a year - get out of the house, get away for a 3 day/2 night weekend and scrap like crazy. It is almost spiritual. I seem to have these ephiphanic moments about my family and friends. When I get back home I am so in-love with them.

That is how I am feeling today. The kids were gone, getting spoiled by their grandparents and I was missing them. My husband was at the track, hanging out with the guys and I was missing him. I was at home, scrapping, looking at pictures of my beautiful kids and handsome husband and missing them. I also can't help loving the creative ways I display our pictures.

Now, what am I going to do for the next two weeks? Both of the children are going to be at day-camp for the next two weeks (from 8 am to 4 pm) and my husband drives full days for the next two weeks as well. Except for two days in which I am to be at school for some organization of the chemical supply room, I have a completely open schedule. I may get some more scrapping completed, spend time with my girlfriends or maybe begin preparing for the the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. I have to have some sort of plan or I will go nuts!

I did it again...

2007-08-09T22:28:00.000-05:00

So my husband did the IQ test and then showed me he got a 133. I needed to try it again (Alex says you can't change your IQ). Well I showed him (hee hee hee). Now I scored a 136! Better! This time my paragraph read the following:

"This number is based on a scientific formula that compares how many questions you answered correctly on the Classic IQ Test relative to others. Your Intellectual Type is Visionary Philosopher. This means you are highly intelligent and have a powerful mix of skills and insight that can be applied in a variety of different ways. Like Plato, your exceptional math and verbal skills make you very adept at explaining things to others — and at anticipating and predicting patterns. And that's just some of what we know about you from your IQ results."

So, first I am a mathematician and now I am a philosopher - either way, I do like how I am described. It makes me feel...

For my amusement

2007-08-09T08:48:00.000-05:00

I took an on-line IQ test today. This is what it said...

"Congratulations, Carrie! Your IQ score is 131" (is this poor? good? great? awesome?)

"This number is based on a scientific formula that compares how many questions you answered correctly on the Classic IQ Test relative to others. Your Intellectual Type is Visual Mathematician. This means you are gifted at spotting patterns — both in pictures and in numbers. These talents combined with your overall high intelligence make you good at understanding the big picture, which is why people trust your instincts and turn to you for direction — especially in the workplace. And that's just some of what we know about you from your test results."

At the end of the quiz, the site wanted me to purchase some stuff - which I didn't, but the test was cool to do! If interested, this is the site I went to, then at the end is all the advertisements. I just kept clicking "SKIP" and you'll get your results. http://web.tickle.com/tests/uiq/index-pop.jsp?sid=&supp=&z=

Have fun if you try it!

Women I admire

2007-08-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

I just got back from a three day class that I took at UW-Oshkosh. It was about Women in Science, Math, Technology & Engineering. I am earning 3 credits by taking this class and learning a ton about women in STEM careers (and the need for more). There were some startling stats that I never knew about the importance of Math as an indicator of person's success in college - or even graduating from college! I learned even more statistics about the low number of women in STEM careers (by the way, medical careers are not included in STEM careers-they are considered allied health careers).

Now - to get to the point of my entry today. I have been talking to many women and listening to several speakers over the past three days. I have been "wow"ed! In addition, I have been reflecting on other women in my life and how much I respect and admire them.

Kim - my biking partner. She is a full time mom. She has a psychology degree and became a full time mom when her first child was born. She is no ordinary mom. Her unique impact on me is how avid she works on her family life and making sure her son has every advantage working for him - he has autism. Her constant research, planning, education, networking and involvement are what I admire. By the way, I do not think she knows all of this.

My Grandma - She will be 87 this month. About two years ago she fell down going into church and hit her head hard - very hard. Within a week she was having brain surgery because of the blood pooling because of the fall. She had some short term memory loss. She was tired. At one point she even talked about letting go, but she didn't. She prayed. She trusted. She got better. She's practically back to where she was before the accident - and that a strong willed, independent, social and lovable grandmother. I love you grandma!

Kate - I met Kate about 2 months ago. If you read her blog about her husband's battle with colon cancer you will learn as I did about her inspiring courage. I know of no one person who has shown as much bravery, fear, honesty and love. Her blog address is http://www.marventano.blogspot.com/

Catherine - my friend. She teaches math at the same school as I do. How she can raise three boys (four if you include her husband), teach, run a household and undertake a rigorous graduate program in two short years is what I admire. In addition, she is honest, caring and isn't afraid to speak her mind. I LOVE THAT!

My daughter - I know, I know...she is only 8 so she is not a "woman", but she will be. What I admire about her is she is my future. She is kind - to her brother and her friends. She has so much energy and enthusiasm for everything she does. She amazes me at every turn in her development. She's smart (I know, I know... we say that about our own children all the time). She picks up on the smallest detail and retains that knowledge for, well, ever (again, she's only 8, so forever is 8 years now). She loves to read! She loves to learn math! She loves that I know and teach science and she is willing to learn from me! I would love to see her be one of those success stories I heard about this past week at UW-O Women in STEM careers.

Dr. Bonnie Bassler - I heard her speak at UW-O. WOW!! She is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University. She spoke so well and with so much passion for her work. She mentors many of the best researchers of today. Her research and discovery seems so simple, now, (as she puts it) but was far fetched and absurd when she began. Now, there are hundreds of labs doing what she is doing and trying to find ways to apply what she discovered to anything from new ways to treat bacterial infections to learning how cells within our own bodies communicate to each other. Here is an excerpt about her discovery. "Bonnie Bassler has discovered that bacteria communicate with a chemical language. This process, called quorum sensing, allows bacteria to count their numbers, determine when they have reached a critical mass, and then change their behavior in unison to carry out processes that require many cells acting together to be effective."

I need to stop now. My list is not complete. My friends - they are all awesome! I just picked out some characteristics that I do not feel I possess and that is why these women are ones I admire. I thank each of them for showing me their personalities. I thank my friends for being there for me and I hope I am there for you as well.

TENET

2007-08-05T18:15:00.000-05:00

Believing in our hearts that who we are is enough, is the key to a more satisfyig and balanced life.
- Ellen Sue Stern

Eleven years today!

2007-08-03T09:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Anniversary to my hubby and me!

This picture was taken last year on our 10 year anniversary. I had a bunch of friends over for a scrapping-type party so they were able to see my man give me an extraordinary gift.

How do I plan to spend this anniversary? It started with my husband singing to me "Happy Anniversary" as he was getting ready for work. I am going to meet up with several of my friends today at the Plymouth Aquatic Center so our kids can all play and I can hang out with the girls. When my man is done with work, we hope to take the whole family out to eat. Tomorrow is our date night. Our girl child has a Girl Scout sleepover and our boy child will have a sleepover and grandma and grandpa's house so then my man and I can have our own quiet date night. Yeah, a two-day celebration for our anniverary! Yeah, a man who loves me more each day and I feel the same way about him! Yeah, we have two totally awesome kids! Yeah, my friends can help me share my joy today! How lucky am I?

VERY!

Extemporaneous

2007-07-31T08:48:00.000-05:00

I have talked to my friends about this… (Exercising and talking with them is so cleansing. My body and my mind feel so refreshed after we get together!) Actually, this was a topic discussed a couple of times this week…

Having it all…is it a career and family? Is it having a clean home? Is it having sex with your spouse AND that he still finds you sexy? Is it having friends? Is it having a hot body? Is it having happy and well behaved kids? Is it having activities that you enjoy and can do frequently? Is it being able to get out of the house? Is it having money? Is it having your family healthy?

I can say that except for the hot body, each these questions applies to me (although my husband will tell you my body is hot – but FYI, it is so not hot). So, do I have it all? Is there something I am missing?

I love my friends – for most of them, we became friends while at work. We are of similar age, our kids are of the same age and then we found that we can do things – like go out to dinner, or exercise, or hang out and that is great. There are other people that I work with, but they are not in the same boat as I with family and such, so we don’t seem to do much. I have other friends that I made because of hobbies – specifically – my scrapping buddies. We talk about such interesting things that I get so many good ideas and good advice from being with them. I just hope that they feel the same way about me.

There is one area in my life that I would like to see myself have more friends, in the community where I live. I live in Kohler. It is a “garden community” as I saw on a Kohler Village employee’s business card. It was designed to look a certain way. The Village of Kohler was incorporated in 1912 and developed by Walter J. Kohler. Frederick Law Olmsted was the designer of the community (he also is known for designing Central Park in New York. You can find more information and links about Kohler at the following link. http://www.kohlervillage.org/VillageHistory.html Now about Kohler – it is so beautiful to live here. I have friends in surrounding communities and they all have this perception about people who live in Kohler. They and I have heard the rumors like “there is an ordinance that you must cut your lawn each week so that the grass is never taller than 5 inches” or “you have to approve with the village any color changes to the exterior of your home” or even “all the moms are stay-at-home moms”. All this is NOT true. However, I will admit that people are very proud of their yards and DO take great care of them. I mean, if you saw the American Club lawn or the greens and fairways of the golf courses in the area – you’d feel a little pressure to make sure it looks good as well.

Anyway, I am going off on a tangent. I have had difficulty finding friends here. First, our street does not have many young families on it. Secondarily, I work (which proves that all moms in Kohler are not stay-at-home moms). However, I do have summers off. I still find it difficult to meet other moms. Many of the ones I see at the parks or the pool have their friends they are with all year, not just summers. So whose fault is it? Is it me being too shy to go up to someone? Why don’t these moms invite me/my kids to a play date or a card game or something? What I am beginning to see and feel is segregation between working and stay-at-home moms. This was made even more evident with a recent lunch I had with a former co-worker turned stay-at-home mom. I will admit that the friendship has not changed because of the change in her work status. She has, since we became friends, moved out of state, then moved back to the state, worked at a school 45+ minutes from her home and now just recently quit her job and moved (now more than an hour away from me). Past summers she made (and so did I) very good efforts for us to get together with or without our kids. This summer – I arranged a get together, but I have not felt the same efforts on her part. My mind begins to race and suddenly I jump to the working mom vs. stay-at-home mom. Are friendships between the clans difficult because of how each perceives how the other views them?

In the beginning...

2007-07-29T16:31:00.000-05:00

We all have to start somewhere - sometime - somehow. Today is my day to begin. I chose this blog site because this is the one I learned about while taking a class on reading comprehension so I am more familiar here than some other place.

Now for the "why" of it all. I am a working mom and wife. What is so completely awesome about my job is that I teach. I chose a profession where my talents would be best utilized, where my day to day was never routine and when I work, my schedule would mirror the family I would hope to have someday. The career came before marriage and family. I met the awesome man that is my husband my first year teaching. We married three years later and it was just the two of us. It was that way for only two years when our family grew and our "girl-child" was born. We like to call her that because another two years later when our family grew again, we then had a "boy-child". So, with our girl-child and our boy-child my husband was completely happy and begged for us to stop with making of children (however, the art of practicing still occurs).

This brings me to where I am today. I've been teaching for 16 years. Our two kids are in school full time. My husband owns his own business and we both support each other with our chosen career paths. We both try our best to be actively involved with what our kids do - we try to make sure they are happy, have lots of friends, laugh, learn and just generally become "good people". So why do I have a title of "trying to have it all"?

As I write about myself, my family and my friends, I hope to decipher if that is the case in my life. Am I working for an unattainable goal? What is the "all" that I speak of?