Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Where in the world is Ebeneezer Scrooge?

Look no longer, you can can find him residing with me! Yes, my dear, sweet loving hubs is Scrooge in disguise! I know, you don't believe it, generally I don't either, but Christmas brings out the Scrooge in him!

Let me clarify. My husband is very generous, kind and giving. In fact, this year he has exceeded all expectations! (I will post on that later!). However, he is not one in favor of any decoration, tree, ornament, wreath, tinsel strand, Santa ornament, poinsettia plant, lights of any kind-he is ba- humbug! He also does not want to receive any gift, but he is willing to give--just like the little stream-give oh give away!

He does however, focus on the true meaning of Christmas! I love this aspect of him. Christ is never far away from our Christmas celebrations. Isn't this how it should be? So after some consideration I think I might join him in his "Scroogy-ness" and focus my attention onto where it should be!

Ask me how it goes in a few weeks! I'm off to follow my husband's example, and give!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Another month gone? Really?

Here we are at the end of another month. Personally I think that time is going by faster than ever before. Where does the time go? I find it hard to believe that 2010 is almost over. In a way, I am so glad to start the new year over, but after surviving this one, I live in fear of the upcoming year!

This month was busy--aren't they all? Just a list of a few things on my calendar that I am perusing at the moment, and I don't need to wonder why I feel tired today. Let's see: The month started with a fabulous choir concert from my dear daughter. She is quite the vocal artist, I must say, and I enjoyed the concert. It was perfect! It lasted 20 mins max! Now that's a music teacher that I can fall in love with! Unfortunately, Dear Husband was 20 mins late (stuck in traffic) and was walking in, just as we were leaving. Dear Daughter was mighty upset. I think Dear Husband is still trying to make up to her on that event. Various church functions, a trip to the cannery, (gotta love their hot chocolate mix-yummo!) I also am partial to their fruit drink mix-which our family lovingly calls "church tang". A Stake ADG event, an Avalanche game, with our very dear friends, who although are very sporty, don't know a bunch about hockey. It was a blast. My dear friend was surprised that I was so vocal about the game. I guess I don't share my enthusiasm freely outside the Pepsi Center-or my home in front of the tv. :) My kids had different days off from school that first week, Thank goodness that the elections are over for another year!

Second week started with a bang-I forgot to put out my donations on the driveway. They are still hounding me with daily phone calls! :( Presidency meetings, visiting teaching, a Mary Kay makeover, IB informational meeting for my almost highschooler...(yikes! am I really that old?) and more church training, round out that week. It was also my Dear Son's birthday-14! He had friends stay the night. My house looked war torn, but I have to admit those nerf guns have certainly transformed modern warfare! Dear Son also had a court of honor for his scouting activities--he received a special award for his effort this past summer at scout camp. It was a nice recognition, in that he really does have a hard time at camp, but he stepped up and became a strong leader for all those "newbies".

Third week started with the Primary Program. Not a big deal you might say, but with 143 kids, it was. I think it rocked! Family dinner, parent conferences with daughter's teacher, more vt'ing, voice lessons, twice weekly tutoring sessions, and a visit from the com cast man round out week three.

Week four: Starts out with a visit from our home teachers, another presidency meeting, only one tutoring session due to Thanksgiving, and two Orthodontic appointments: 6 more weeks of braces for dear son, and then his smile shall be metal free! Dear Daughter still has another year and a half! Thanksgiving, and a stay-cation,love cheap shopping days, my dear husbands 44th birthday, and now onto week 5/week 1 of December.

Yikes! So, now that you know my personal schedule, I would like to say that I am extremely grateful that I don't have a full time, paid position to throw into that mix! It has been c-r-a-z-y! Please tell me that I will not have the same problem next month. No wonder my house is a disaster, and I feel ill prepared for Christmas. Give me a few days. Maybe I will actually start the decorating projects!

Happy Advent everyone! My wish for you is a stress free, Christ centered Christmas Season! My sister taught me that one. Christmas is not just the one day, it is the Season-so enjoy it!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Annoyances!

October did Rock! I had a really great time with Family, Friends, and Kids! November, however, is not starting out on a good note. It is a month of birthdays! Both Hubby and Dear Son have birthdays this month. I always feel old(er) on my son's birthday. Hard to believe that 14 years ago I was hugely pregnant and awaiting the arrival of baby number 1. How time flies. A post about him awaits you at a later date.

Today is my mother in law's birthday. She passed away 9 months ago. Funny how 9 months can seem so long, and be so short at the same time. She was a great example of service and selflessness. Her laugh was infectious, and her ever present optimism was great, though at some times, I thought it annoying as well. Didn't she understand what I was going through, that I needed understanding and support and not just optimistic analogies that didn't really make sense at the time? How little I knew. Life has a way of teaching you lessons that all need to learn. I think we all just learn them in different times and places and ways. I truly miss her. I know dear hubby does too. And, so do my kids. I miss her wisdom and her English wit. I miss her voice. I miss her interactions with my kiddos. She was a great Grandma. Perhaps that is why the happenings of the past 2 days are annoying me so badly today...I guess my emotions are raw and annoyances annoy with a vengeance.

Dear MiL passed away 1 month short a day of my own father. Our family has struggled through the first 3/4 of the year. All of us are on the path of recovery for a lack of a better word. We are learning to live without anchors. We were pretty independent folk, and still are. We didn't ask for a lot of help through this mess, and I think we are doing great! But, somehow, we just aren't impressing some other people in our life with our efforts. Here is my grievance. Last night, my dear husband received a message that he would be accompanied with another to accomplish a monthly responsibility that has not been often accomplished this year. The way it was presented was underhanded, and knowing my spouse, it isn't going to happen with said "help" and now that he has dug in his heels, good luck for the future. It would have been nice to have a visit, to ask why said responsibility was not being accomplished. Instead, it came across as "You're a failure, thus it will now happen this way" ANNOYING! People's lack of understanding is astonishing to me. If you truly cared, you would be a little more in tune with our family at this time. So get off your Butt, and you finish it if you think it is so dang important. Don't leave a backhanded message on the phone and expect results!

And now, I am getting off of my soapbox, and hoping that I will let my feelings of annoyance go, and get on with my day. I have birthday parties to plan!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Welcome Fall!

Summer is officially over and Fall is falling in my neck of the woods. Let me officially welcome Fall!
Summer is always just a little warm for me. Although my blood is thinning, I love the 70's--temperature wise, not decade wise.

Some things that I am looking forward to: A visit from my brother and family. Cooler Temps. A craft Saturday in my home. Halloween-although, it must be my Canadian up bringing, I just don't get into it like most people around me. Fall Break-two weeks with my daughter-one with my son and daughter...good times! We are also celebrating birthdays and Canadian Thanksgiving.
The Colorado Rockies have it right, this month should be called Rocktober!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Loss, and it isn't even mine.

How does one reconcile/come to grips with/ understand the meaning of death? How does it affect you? How does it affect your family? How does one who is a bystander support those that are reeling from loss? As each person grieves individually, is there any good thing to say to a person that is in the least bit helpful/supportive....
Just questioning.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Dear Hubby

You listen to what I have to say, good, bad and ugly. You don't take upon yourself my feelings, thank you so much. Your heart is bigger than your girth-and that says a lot! You not only support me emotionally, spiritually , but also physically. You are willing to serve, you feel overwhelmed, you keep going. You rock! I love you!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Gratitude!

Today, my heart is filled with gratitude. I was reflecting back on a previous post of being content with what I have. And today my glass is more than half full.
My kiddos have settled into school-rather nicely-better than in previous years.
My son has missed out on all the drama in other classes at his school. Thank you for that little blessing. We don't need drama in our life.
Dear Daughter also is having a relatively drama free start to the year. She is also in school choir and we are starting swim lessons today. :)
My hubby has seemingly settled back into self employment. Having a profitable month helps!
I have family coming into town next month, which I am so excited about.
I am looking forward to getting family photos done.
I am feeling spiritually fed, and welcome opportunities of service.
Life is good.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Summer, why can't you go away?

I know, I know, it's summer! Sunshine, heat, pool days and play dates. Outings, yard work, garden work, and all the rest. However, notice that I did not use the word but, I hate the H-E-A-T! I mean it. I melt all summer long. Sweaty, red faced, bad tempered, yuck. The sunshine doesn't warm my soul, it fries it. I am longing for the cooler days of fall and winter, and even spring, although my allergies kick in quite badly then, but at least I am not running from one air conditioned locale to another. I long for gentle breezes, not blasts of hot air that could be straight out of my convection oven, but isn't. It is whipping through my yard, drying out my trees and my lawn, shriveling my garden and wreaking havoc with my internal body temperature.

Yes, I long for cooler weather...but now, I am off to my neighborhood movie night--out in the warm air...Have a good night everyone!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

4 French exchange students and a Lady!

This month has been crazy! I inadvertently fell into a job! So, Monday through Friday, 9-4, I am with 4 fabulous French Teenagers. I tutor English in the mornings, and the afternoons are spent on outings or excursions. Class can be tough for the boys, who seem to think that it just all a holiday, but they did enroll in the tutorial program, and therefore, get to participate in English lessons! :) So far, we have avoided battles, but today was a bit different. Projects are due tomorrow, so it was crunch time. Too bad, more of them didn't use their class time more efficiently. I have a feeling that they will be spending more time tonight than is necessary.

A list of some of our activities... Elitch garden's, shopping at the outlet malls, and Park Meadows, the Parade of homes, various outdoor parks, climbing the rock, visiting our local community stores, visiting with different businesses in our community. Visiting both the local High and Middle School. Genesee Ropes course, indoor skydiving, and yet to come the Hammond Candy factory, and Downtown Denver. We hiked local trails, went rock climbing, and they even prepared french food for me! :)

I hope that they have enjoyed their time with me, as I have enjoyed my time with them. It was a bit difficult at first. I did not tell them that I was fluent in French, and therefore, they would have rude comments about me and my program. I tried not to let it bother me, but it did. However, it was a priceless moment when I told them. Some had the decency to be embarrassed!

Best times: Having my one boy who always jumps into situations feet first then decides to look--take a huge dollop of habenero sauce onto his chip--without mixing it into the salsa first--turn beet red, teary eyed, and snot running out of his nose. All of which he tried to soothe by taking a huge gulp of water...didn't work.

Teaching-all of it. I forgot how much I missed it.

Listening to the musicality of the French language. I didn't realize how much I missed it either.

Teenagers...they are the best, they are the worst, but I wouldn't want to not have them in my life.

Anyways, our time together is almost over, they leave on Saturday. I hope that they will have fond memories of our time together. I know I do!

A Bientot!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

My youth revisited

Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend the day with an old room mate from my university days. We were best friends, then life kicked in and we left on bad terms. Fast forward 20 or so years, and the invention of facebook. Don't you just love it? I searched for aforementioned friend for a couple of years before I found her...and she lives stateside as well! It was nice that we were able to forgive our youthful mistakes and reconnect. She has a great family. I had a great time. I am hoping she did too!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Summer Time, Summer Time...

Ahhh, the dog days of summer--of lying down, napping, soaking up the sun, with a little bit of exercise thrown.

Summer is just getting started this weekend. We have family and friends coming into town--so excited! Looking forward to taking them to touristy sites and things around our locale...And we have about 3 weeks of visitors in a row. It will be a blast! (from the past, of course).

But, Isn't there always a But, But....I have already purchased school supplies and have my kiddos registered for school already! Yikes! Only a couple more weeks, and school starts again.

Summer never seems quite long enough for me...And I don't understand why Colorado doesn't follow a regular schedule of Sept-June. Nope, not for us, it's Aug-May. Why do we go to school the hottest month of the year? No idea! I'd rather be lounging by the pool those dog days of summer, instead of getting kids ready, lunches packed, and all the school drama that comes with it....

Oh well! My house is cleaned, dusted and stocked with treats. Bring on the vacationers...who, by some miracle live in areas that have school in regular months! :)

Monday, June 21, 2010

Why is it never good enough?

I love reading other people's blogs, but I have to question why it is never good enough? We are always trying to improve on ourselves, our lives, our homes, our kids, our spouse, our schools, our town, our community, our churchs, our gardens,...and the list just goes on. Why are we so dissatisfied with our lives? Why can't we just be...normal, average, ok, good, happy, satisfied? Do the dishes need to be done after every meal? What about the laundry? Does it matter if it doesn't get put away right after it's arrival from the dryer? What will happen if you happen to let your children eat ice cream for lunch...gasp! I did that just this week, and let me tell you, my kids loved it, and so did I. I didn't have to cook or put anything together, this was totally self serve. Now, I don't suggest you do that every day, but for one day, it sure is a treat!

My goal, is to be happy with what I have. To appreciate my struggling garden. It represents my life at this time. To not take things personally, when people say stupid things. It doesn't make me look bad, it looks very poorly on them! To appreciate my beautiful home, that is not quite where I want it to be, but is getting there, slowly. To appreciate my children, who are learning to control their emotions. To appreciate public school, that lets the kiddos struggle with dealing with peers. They have to learn sometime. And also, that allows my kiddos to learn about the three R's, and all the extras. We do live in a great time! To appreciate my spouse and all the work he does for us, so that I can appreciate all my things....

My life is good enough! It may not be the high rollin' life style some aspire to, but let's face it, all them glittering lights give me a headache. I have a home, a family, people who love me, and that is good enough! :)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

GREAT news!

FFor the last year, I have been tutoring a wonderful student-who was working towards her GED. Yesterday, she took the last 2 exams and passed them both! Yay for her! I hope that she will continue on this life path--and love life and learning! I would like to know what she accomplishes with her life. Maybe she will keep in touch. She is moving 3 states away in 2 weeks. I will miss her. Good luck in all you my learner...

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

My Castle is Crumbling-cont'd

So, my sprinklers are now fixed, but had my guy look at another issue and obviously the builder forgot to put in flashing where necessary...so now I have water damage by my eaves, and I just want to emphatically state that all tract builders are corrupt! I have purchased 3 different homes from 3 different builders and all have forgotten major components from the house! ARGH!
So, why are they still in business?

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

My Castle is Crumbling

There is no other way to say it, my Castle is Crumbling!
I have some of my appliances dying, or have died, and I have had to repair them,
my sprinkler system that is part way broken,
a zone just doesn't work, who knows why.
I have mice, EEEEWWWW in my garage...that is soooo gross!
My drip irrigation system has a leak that I need to fix with replacement parts,
and,
it's summer, and my kids are bored. :(
Today, my Castle is crumbling, who knows what tomorrow will bring?

All these things would not be a problem if I was a queen with unlimited funds, but I guess I will slowly fix these problems, and have a beautiful Castle again!
Perhaps
I should become
employed
wouldn't that be
nice?

Friday, May 21, 2010

School's out for the summer--Almost

School is almost out for the summer--just a couple more days and my life will be one blissful day after another filled with sunshiny days and star filled nights....
Oh wait, that would be only in my dreams.
My kiddos are excited. School has been difficult this year, and they are both tired emotionally and just need some rest from regular life. Skippy is rather anal about his grades, so watching him struggle to maintain his grades to his satisfaction has been rather hard. And DQ, well, let's just say that there are a few people in her class that should be grateful that they survived. She was this close to letting them have it. All in all, it was a good year! We all survived, so that is a good thing.
Not to sure what we have to accomplish this summer. Maybe some recuperation time. I would love to have a fun filled, relaxing summer. I hope that this can be accomplished.
Fun filled days at the pool, library, because we are a family of avid readers, friends, and of course food. Food is the mainstay of my son's life, as he will tell you, daily, hourly, maybe even minute-ly.
Zoo trips, museum trips, maybe even trips out of the country.
BBQ's and parties--
I hope we can accomplish it all!
Happy Victoria Day!
Happy Summer!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

My Colorado Crew

Welcome to my blog
The Four of us!

A quick Introduction to my crew.
There are four of us who are my main people.
There are many others who influence my life, but I will mainly focus on us.

There is hubby. A hardworking man, dedicated to our family and his work and church.
There is Skippy. Our son. A fabulous teen who is smart, generous and a computer genius.
There is Drama Queen-my highly creative, energetic, beautiful daughter.
And then there is me. Some might call me a drama queen (the apple doesn't fall far from this tree) but I am a call it how it is, straight talking soul, who loves simple and beautiful things.

As a family we are grieving the loss of our parents. One of each from each side of the family in less than one short month of this year. We are all reeling from the loss. Mothers Day was awful for me husband who lost his mother in February, and I am sure that Father's Day will be awful for me, who lost my dad in January. He died of a rare form of Cancer--Linitus Plastica. If you want information on that just google it. Suffice it to say that it was swift moving, awful, life taking cancer. No known cure. At all.

MIL died unexpectedly of a pulmonary embolism--on the side of a road in Wyoming. Her death was not expected. It was awful.

Skippy and DQ are dealing with death as best as children can. Both their grades have suffered, but ultimately, they are putting one foot in front of the other, and continuing living as best as they can. School is an awful place to send your kids when they are grieving. Teachers are not grief counselors, and kids are M-E-A-N!

Parents that are grieving don't parent very well. I am grateful that I was able to parent well before all this happened, so that my kiddos had a somewhat firm foundation to weather this storm. This storm is not over yet. I figure we might be in the eye of it right now.

Hubby is fighting depression. He has been in the anger phase for so long, I worry about him.
DQ takes after her dad. I worry about her. She is showing some signs of depression. I need to keep my eye on her...closely.
Skippy is emotional--not unusual for a teenager. But more so than he has been. I worry about him as well.
And then there is me. I worry about myself. I hope that I have friends that worry about me as well. Maybe they will help me through this all.
Because when both sides of the team are hit with life altering events, life is hard!