Thursday, May 30, 2013
Baby boy
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Appreciated and Appreciating
Yes, typical me- life got in the way of daily blogging-- as I had anticipated, but I still plan on blogging multiple times a week. I want to remember the positives in this life of mine and if I don't write them down the odds are too high that I will forget them.
Last Wed, one of my walkers (actually car rider but mom parks and takes him in rather than the car pool line drop off) told me I should come to his play. It was nearing 8:30 and the play was at 9. That was too sweet and awesome that he wanted ME, just the crossing guard, to come watch their play! I did of course!! It didn't actually start until 9:30am. It was a play put on by some of the 5th graders called Don't Rock the Boat. The performers did great, singing, acting, speaking, good expressions and laughter filled parts as well. Unfortunately there was some technical difficulties with the microphones, so at times it was hard to hear or static/squealing from the mics, but still I thoroughly enjoyed my 2nd RSPES activity that I had been invited to. Previously, prior to Easter I had been invited to go to the school carnival so I scooped up some friends with kids and paid our way to help support our student body here. It too was fantastic.
I have been keeping MORE THAN BUSY with all the end of the year school dealings at Sheffield- my kids' school. Monday I did round 1 of Talent show try outs, Wednesday I did round 2 of talent show try outs, Thursday I did my typical volunteering in the classroom for two of the 2nd grade rooms filing papers. I also got to help Mrs. Carroll out as she (in typical Mrs. Carroll fashion) went above and beyond and gave her class who didn't get to participate in an academic field trip (Jayna nor Anthony got to a high enough reading level to qualify) a snowcone, popcorn and movie filled morning. The kids thoroughly approved. Mrs. Carroll and the classroom aide (who is there specifically for Chris... more on him coming) Mrs. Smith are fabulous and a great team. I am so glad my girlie gets to have them!
After in the classroom volunteering I did 2.5 hours of Talent Show prep, rehearsal fun.... or chaos whichever word you prefer. Friday I was at school ALL-DAY-LONG volunteering for Field Day. The younger kids- PreK to 1st grade went first and it was so fun watching their excitement.... sometimes to the degree of a tad of misbehavior. I also got to shadow a Kindy group with an AMAZING teacher- who also happens to be on the PTO board. I had never really spoke to her prior to becoming secretary this winter. She's so much fun, keeps the kids giggling and you can see her love for her class flowing. It is a breath of fresh air to see first hand these types of teachers admist the horror stories you watch on the news and hear of. The 2nd group was 2nd grade-5th. I can admit it is hard to split my time fairly between my two kiddos. But I can also say it is biasedly easy to stick with Jayna's class longer since I am a gigantic fan of her teacher. And then to add, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE watching the ALWAYS upbeat, happy, positive smiling Chris in her class. Chris is blind. Chris can't be slowed down and although I have been in the classroom at LEAST 1 day a week every single week this year, on every field trip, class party and event I am yet to see anything slow him down at all. Field day was no exception. I love getting to know this amazing dude who despite what others would view as a disability he is just perfect!
Last Wed, one of my walkers (actually car rider but mom parks and takes him in rather than the car pool line drop off) told me I should come to his play. It was nearing 8:30 and the play was at 9. That was too sweet and awesome that he wanted ME, just the crossing guard, to come watch their play! I did of course!! It didn't actually start until 9:30am. It was a play put on by some of the 5th graders called Don't Rock the Boat. The performers did great, singing, acting, speaking, good expressions and laughter filled parts as well. Unfortunately there was some technical difficulties with the microphones, so at times it was hard to hear or static/squealing from the mics, but still I thoroughly enjoyed my 2nd RSPES activity that I had been invited to. Previously, prior to Easter I had been invited to go to the school carnival so I scooped up some friends with kids and paid our way to help support our student body here. It too was fantastic.
After in the classroom volunteering I did 2.5 hours of Talent Show prep, rehearsal fun.... or chaos whichever word you prefer. Friday I was at school ALL-DAY-LONG volunteering for Field Day. The younger kids- PreK to 1st grade went first and it was so fun watching their excitement.... sometimes to the degree of a tad of misbehavior. I also got to shadow a Kindy group with an AMAZING teacher- who also happens to be on the PTO board. I had never really spoke to her prior to becoming secretary this winter. She's so much fun, keeps the kids giggling and you can see her love for her class flowing. It is a breath of fresh air to see first hand these types of teachers admist the horror stories you watch on the news and hear of. The 2nd group was 2nd grade-5th. I can admit it is hard to split my time fairly between my two kiddos. But I can also say it is biasedly easy to stick with Jayna's class longer since I am a gigantic fan of her teacher. And then to add, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE watching the ALWAYS upbeat, happy, positive smiling Chris in her class. Chris is blind. Chris can't be slowed down and although I have been in the classroom at LEAST 1 day a week every single week this year, on every field trip, class party and event I am yet to see anything slow him down at all. Field day was no exception. I love getting to know this amazing dude who despite what others would view as a disability he is just perfect!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Thanks for supper!
I think the "drawing" for names at the school MAY have PERHAPS been ummm helped. However, that being said, I won a $10 gift card of my choice to Kroger, Wal-mart, Bakery or Chick Fil A. It was for school staff appreciation. Although Kroger would have been most sensible, who wants to be sensible? I chose Chick Fil A! For the record, I TOTALLY appreciated not having to cook and barely spending anything out of pocket!! Sense Marko was out of town I was only feeding the two kids and I. I spent a WHOPPING $3 on supper. You can't even do grilled cheese and tomato soup on that budget.
Thank you R.S. Payne and my school family.
Thank you R.S. Payne and my school family.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Running
This blog will be short and sweet, I'm tired.
I feel like I am getting flabby and fat, and it's likely true. Kinda pathetically amusing that I was more fit working at BK the world capitol of fat. Anyhow, because my will power sucks I am not going to lie to myself and claim to make dietary changed that will last a week. I want to eat whatever I feel like whenever I feel like it and wash it all down with plenty of super sweet tea and mountain dew. True story. But I don't need to be lazy. I enjoy some exercise. Not stationary exercise though, so the odd of me "toning up" are about a -7 chance out of a 1 and 10....
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However I do attempt to jog/walk 4 5ks a week while the kidlets bike along. Truth be told, they certainly slow me down, but 1. they enjoy coming along, 2. it's healthy for all of us and 3. I go at dusk-dark so obviously can't/won't leave them at home by theirselves and Marko is nearly always working.
On Friday I bought my first pair of shoes in 3 years. for $30 down from $100 they aren't bad.
*ignore the calamine lotion for the bug bites that is smeared on my leg and dripped on my sock. These are my new shoes. I'd rather have had orange ones, but cheapskates who want decent name brand running shoes can't be choosy.
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I am "in training" for my first race. It's actual a virtual race meaning, I won't physically be running at the exact same time/place/path as other runners, but we are all running this charity race.
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If any of my (non-existant ) readers want to join in, it is for a great cause and you get a medal of participation! Sounds like a win win right!? HERE'S SOME MORE INFO AND YOU DECIDE...
I feel like I am getting flabby and fat, and it's likely true. Kinda pathetically amusing that I was more fit working at BK the world capitol of fat. Anyhow, because my will power sucks I am not going to lie to myself and claim to make dietary changed that will last a week. I want to eat whatever I feel like whenever I feel like it and wash it all down with plenty of super sweet tea and mountain dew. True story. But I don't need to be lazy. I enjoy some exercise. Not stationary exercise though, so the odd of me "toning up" are about a -7 chance out of a 1 and 10....
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On Friday I bought my first pair of shoes in 3 years. for $30 down from $100 they aren't bad.
*ignore the calamine lotion for the bug bites that is smeared on my leg and dripped on my sock. These are my new shoes. I'd rather have had orange ones, but cheapskates who want decent name brand running shoes can't be choosy.
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Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Life's Simple Pleasures
Most of my day has been filled with my life's simple pleasure. I watched this movie this morning. It's a good reminder to be thankful for whatever time you have. Remember, You don't have to find out you are dying to start living and to enjoy what and who you have.
*warning, this movie is a 22 minute tear jerker*
Shhh don't tell Marko I'm enjoying driving his car, something very rarely get to do. But since he is out of town, I have been able to drive the fancy computer on wheels :-)
As is typical I enjoyed my crossing guard duties. The people I encounter are kind and appreciative. Well the cars-- some of them are not so kind but I still smile. hope it starts my walkers day school off pleasantly and in a good mood. Tally, very shy Tally now says good morning and smiles without her mommy or daddy prompting her--- only took sweet Tally 9 months! I felt quiet special and amused to be "awarded" a free drink and snack!
Obviously I wasted far too much time on my computer, but to me that is a simple pleasure.
I won't lie and say waiting FOREVER for Marko's car to get a free oil change was pleasureful, but it was free so I shouldn't complain about the 90 minutes of wasted time.... since I did get to sit in the ac inside and watch A Baby Story on TLC-- something I haven't done in years now since we do not have cable.
Then it was crossing guard time again. Although it was a toast 93 degrees, I thoroughly enjoy that job. It may be simple but it is also enjoyable interacting with the parents, walkers, friendly bus drivers and the neighbors who know me now. I have even taught some of the grumpy old drivers that IT IS OK to smile and wave. Two of the drivers still try not to wave, the same 2 I have NEVER seen even crack a partial smile.... and for that I am glad my kids have a sweet friendly Mrs. Sharon as their driver, not the old grumps on 31 or 87 specifically.
At home my brother came to Jayna's rescue to make her a cd to hula to for the talent show since Marko is out of town and I am technologically challenged with no desire to improve at this time. Jayna tried on her talent show outfit and we got to practice together while blasting her music.
Anthony played with friends, Stevie happily grubbed on the grass (and chocolate pudding his stole from the cabinet along with microwave popcorn). Simple free fun watching the three kids-- Stevie, Anthony and Jayna having fun and exercising outside.
Then we had breakfast for supper, one of my favorite meals and Marko's least favorite. But since he is out of town I took advantage of eating French Toast, Eggs and Bacon at 8:30PM, not am.
*warning, this movie is a 22 minute tear jerker*
Shhh don't tell Marko I'm enjoying driving his car, something very rarely get to do. But since he is out of town, I have been able to drive the fancy computer on wheels :-)
As is typical I enjoyed my crossing guard duties. The people I encounter are kind and appreciative. Well the cars-- some of them are not so kind but I still smile. hope it starts my walkers day school off pleasantly and in a good mood. Tally, very shy Tally now says good morning and smiles without her mommy or daddy prompting her--- only took sweet Tally 9 months! I felt quiet special and amused to be "awarded" a free drink and snack!
Obviously I wasted far too much time on my computer, but to me that is a simple pleasure.
I won't lie and say waiting FOREVER for Marko's car to get a free oil change was pleasureful, but it was free so I shouldn't complain about the 90 minutes of wasted time.... since I did get to sit in the ac inside and watch A Baby Story on TLC-- something I haven't done in years now since we do not have cable.
Then it was crossing guard time again. Although it was a toast 93 degrees, I thoroughly enjoy that job. It may be simple but it is also enjoyable interacting with the parents, walkers, friendly bus drivers and the neighbors who know me now. I have even taught some of the grumpy old drivers that IT IS OK to smile and wave. Two of the drivers still try not to wave, the same 2 I have NEVER seen even crack a partial smile.... and for that I am glad my kids have a sweet friendly Mrs. Sharon as their driver, not the old grumps on 31 or 87 specifically.
Anthony played with friends, Stevie happily grubbed on the grass (and chocolate pudding his stole from the cabinet along with microwave popcorn). Simple free fun watching the three kids-- Stevie, Anthony and Jayna having fun and exercising outside.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Day of Volunteering
I spent my day in one of my most favorite ways, Volunteering. I heard on the radio last week that Volunteering is good for the heart. It is SO true. I have been Volunteering for different organizations since at least the third grade. The Central PA Humane Society, Juniata Grace Brethren Church, Family Resource Center, Olivet Baptist Church, Thomas Road Baptist Church, Daily Bread, Sheffield Elementary and likely others too that aren't immediately popping out at me. My happiest times and best memories (not with family) are when I am volunteering.
After crossing guard I cleaned out my cabinets and donated some food. Then I got an email that the school needed a volunteer, so Off to Sheffield I rushed. I was the sole Volunteer for the talent show try outs for three hours. Although the talent show was far from organized I am thrilled to be able to volunteer my time. Jayna especially loves the talent show and I am glad that they offer this outlet to their students. With a child who no time soon is likely to earn a math or reading award, doesn't like sports- she totally looks forward to this all year long. She adores her lil trophy from last year, she "earned it" and got recognition she doesn't typically get.
Of course I did my typical enjoyment of the day, Crossing guard in the morning and the evening.
Then at 5:30 I went to help set up for the Volunteer Appreciation/Parent Advisory Committee meeting. I got to enjoy chatting with former employee Brandon, his lovely wife Lisa and precious girls Kaleigh and Brandy... Jr was far more interested in basketball than chatting.
If you aren't already an active volunteer somewhere, you should seriously consider it. It doesn't have to be very time consuming. There are all sorts of opportunities to occasional, weekly, daily gigs to fit any schedule!
After crossing guard I cleaned out my cabinets and donated some food. Then I got an email that the school needed a volunteer, so Off to Sheffield I rushed. I was the sole Volunteer for the talent show try outs for three hours. Although the talent show was far from organized I am thrilled to be able to volunteer my time. Jayna especially loves the talent show and I am glad that they offer this outlet to their students. With a child who no time soon is likely to earn a math or reading award, doesn't like sports- she totally looks forward to this all year long. She adores her lil trophy from last year, she "earned it" and got recognition she doesn't typically get.
Of course I did my typical enjoyment of the day, Crossing guard in the morning and the evening.
Then at 5:30 I went to help set up for the Volunteer Appreciation/Parent Advisory Committee meeting. I got to enjoy chatting with former employee Brandon, his lovely wife Lisa and precious girls Kaleigh and Brandy... Jr was far more interested in basketball than chatting.
If you aren't already an active volunteer somewhere, you should seriously consider it. It doesn't have to be very time consuming. There are all sorts of opportunities to occasional, weekly, daily gigs to fit any schedule!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Church and Airport
It started as a typical Sunday for us. After working 3rd shift from 11pm Saturday til 8:15 Sunday I got off of work and headed to pick up friends and family for church. R.J. joined us for church this week. I took my little brother to church first to help with the sound check crew. Then I headed to Joyce ("Ma's") house and picked up her, one of her 3 kids and 3 of her 4 grandkids and off to church we were.
In Sunday school we had a fabulous speaker, Missionary to Paraguay, Tom Stout. I wish Sunday school was that attention drawing every week. I certainly was able to pay better attention and get more out of the lesson. He taught us as he would teach his church in Paraguay by storying..
It is basically giving an accurate but not a super specific precise telling of (the) bible stories. It is much more informal than the way most our churches in the US teach. To me it was on an easier to learn on that level. There was no real need for all the bigger words and lingo and minor details to understand the scripture the importance of what is being taught and relate it to our lives and walk in Christ. I think this would be most effective HERE in the US., not just Paraguay.
Do you realize how many times a preacher has spoke over our heads? Especially as I have been bringing Joyce with me who has been mostly unchurched it made me realize how much easier this way of preaching would be to newer Christians. This way of teaching doesn't require any special level of education to understand what is going on. I feel like most teaching in the US is so in depth it DOES require at least a familiarity of the bible to totally get a lesson. Often times bigger words are used or many biblical words that unchurched/new church goers/ non-college educated people are clueless what is being said. If I had lessons in storying I would be more interested in the lesson. It does great at keeping your attention and to me still make the points of a more thorough detailed lesson except you'll likely actually remember what is taught beyond just Sunday.
Tom, his wife Kelly and three children are SIM missionaries. Tom and Kelly have been there for about 20 years now. Their furlough ends August 8th after almost a year here in Lynchburg as their oldest son started Liberty. They have been both entertaining and educational friends in our Sunday School Class and I can't wait to see what God has in store for them.
Pastor Jonathan Falwell concluded the series, Blue Prints for a bigger vision. He gave steps to Start your vision now and start doing the right thing today.
1. Be a person of prayer
2. Read his word
3. Get close to God, you can never be close enough and you can never get too close, you can always get closer
4. Be obedient to what God says to do
5. Step outside of your comfort zone
6. Don't be afraid to fail and if you do fail, try again. It is when you allow failing to control your life you become a failure, therefore always try again.
7. Have faith: Believe He who began a work in you will finish what he started.
After church and taking everyone home, I grabbed a brief nap from 2-5. Then I got up and helped Marko pack and get ready for his business trip. Marko is headed to Dallas for a conference on Link I think it is called. This is his first time on a big plane! He takes off from the Lynchburg Regional Airport, to Charlotte and then to Dallas Fort Worth. I am jealous. It is on my bucket list to ride in a big plane! His plan was delayed twice so it looks like he will spend the night in Charlotte instead of Dallas tonight.
It is basically giving an accurate but not a super specific precise telling of (the) bible stories. It is much more informal than the way most our churches in the US teach. To me it was on an easier to learn on that level. There was no real need for all the bigger words and lingo and minor details to understand the scripture the importance of what is being taught and relate it to our lives and walk in Christ. I think this would be most effective HERE in the US., not just Paraguay.
Do you realize how many times a preacher has spoke over our heads? Especially as I have been bringing Joyce with me who has been mostly unchurched it made me realize how much easier this way of preaching would be to newer Christians. This way of teaching doesn't require any special level of education to understand what is going on. I feel like most teaching in the US is so in depth it DOES require at least a familiarity of the bible to totally get a lesson. Often times bigger words are used or many biblical words that unchurched/new church goers/ non-college educated people are clueless what is being said. If I had lessons in storying I would be more interested in the lesson. It does great at keeping your attention and to me still make the points of a more thorough detailed lesson except you'll likely actually remember what is taught beyond just Sunday.
Tom, his wife Kelly and three children are SIM missionaries. Tom and Kelly have been there for about 20 years now. Their furlough ends August 8th after almost a year here in Lynchburg as their oldest son started Liberty. They have been both entertaining and educational friends in our Sunday School Class and I can't wait to see what God has in store for them.
Pastor Jonathan Falwell concluded the series, Blue Prints for a bigger vision. He gave steps to Start your vision now and start doing the right thing today.
1. Be a person of prayer
2. Read his word
3. Get close to God, you can never be close enough and you can never get too close, you can always get closer
4. Be obedient to what God says to do
5. Step outside of your comfort zone
6. Don't be afraid to fail and if you do fail, try again. It is when you allow failing to control your life you become a failure, therefore always try again.
7. Have faith: Believe He who began a work in you will finish what he started.
After church and taking everyone home, I grabbed a brief nap from 2-5. Then I got up and helped Marko pack and get ready for his business trip. Marko is headed to Dallas for a conference on Link I think it is called. This is his first time on a big plane! He takes off from the Lynchburg Regional Airport, to Charlotte and then to Dallas Fort Worth. I am jealous. It is on my bucket list to ride in a big plane! His plan was delayed twice so it looks like he will spend the night in Charlotte instead of Dallas tonight.
The beginning, or not, it's me!
It's time to blog and stick to it. I love to write, I have the free time, and I don't want to forget life's little pleasures-- or annoyances in some cases.
I read a blog today and it totally described me. And so I will take that inspiration and run with it. That blogger also wanted to blog, but never felt like it was the "right" time, because she wasn't starting from the beginning. The describes me. I have blogged before, but then too it didn't feel 'right'.
Realistically there is no way to start at a beginning anyways so I will start where I am. I will write about whatever comes to mind. I will try my best to stick with it, but if I don't I won't beat myself up over it and will pick up again when the timing in life works.
About me:
I am a member of a foster, adopted, biological family. That being said all topic on unique families, large families, adoption, foster care, pregnancy, baby names and anti-abortion interest me. I am passionate about my family. I love each sibling equally. I am thankful to be in this family.
I have been a hard worker and enjoy working. So it is likely awkward to know I resigned from a full time good paying job for someone of my age and educational level to be a mostly "stay at home mom"... who tries not to stay at home. I like to stay busy. I work a third shift job 3 days a week. I work an awesomely fun job as a crossing guard 5 days a week twice a day. Between the two jobs I work about 40 hours and yet I don't miss much time with my kids which is essential to me. I lost far too much time already by devoting it to be a successful Restaurant General Manager. Now I prefer my top title to simple be, Wife, Mom, Family member. I now can volunteer a lot in the kids' school too and I enjoy it.
I was a young wife and mother. Teen pregnancy and parenting interest me. Beating the odds, over coming challenges and stomping out statistics inspire me. I will write about such things.
I am not excessively healthy, but I want to become more healthy. I'm neither fat or skinny and I won't diet because at this point I don't have the commitment that would take. However I have most recently set some new life style changes. My goal from now until the 4th of July is to bike/jog/walk with my kids a 5k at least four times a week. I started this last week, on Mother's Day and have full intentions of following through. I have entered my first 5k. It's on the 4th of July! I am ready! I do enjoy riding my bicycle but am not a great biker by a long shot. I have done Bike MS 150 for the past 6 years. I will likely be doing it again soon- August 2013.
I read a blog today and it totally described me. And so I will take that inspiration and run with it. That blogger also wanted to blog, but never felt like it was the "right" time, because she wasn't starting from the beginning. The describes me. I have blogged before, but then too it didn't feel 'right'.
Realistically there is no way to start at a beginning anyways so I will start where I am. I will write about whatever comes to mind. I will try my best to stick with it, but if I don't I won't beat myself up over it and will pick up again when the timing in life works.
About me:
I am a member of a foster, adopted, biological family. That being said all topic on unique families, large families, adoption, foster care, pregnancy, baby names and anti-abortion interest me. I am passionate about my family. I love each sibling equally. I am thankful to be in this family.
I have been a hard worker and enjoy working. So it is likely awkward to know I resigned from a full time good paying job for someone of my age and educational level to be a mostly "stay at home mom"... who tries not to stay at home. I like to stay busy. I work a third shift job 3 days a week. I work an awesomely fun job as a crossing guard 5 days a week twice a day. Between the two jobs I work about 40 hours and yet I don't miss much time with my kids which is essential to me. I lost far too much time already by devoting it to be a successful Restaurant General Manager. Now I prefer my top title to simple be, Wife, Mom, Family member. I now can volunteer a lot in the kids' school too and I enjoy it.
I was a young wife and mother. Teen pregnancy and parenting interest me. Beating the odds, over coming challenges and stomping out statistics inspire me. I will write about such things.
I am not excessively healthy, but I want to become more healthy. I'm neither fat or skinny and I won't diet because at this point I don't have the commitment that would take. However I have most recently set some new life style changes. My goal from now until the 4th of July is to bike/jog/walk with my kids a 5k at least four times a week. I started this last week, on Mother's Day and have full intentions of following through. I have entered my first 5k. It's on the 4th of July! I am ready! I do enjoy riding my bicycle but am not a great biker by a long shot. I have done Bike MS 150 for the past 6 years. I will likely be doing it again soon- August 2013.
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