Only One Week Left to Finish So Many Things!

We have had a wonderful Christmas! We went to Christmas Eve service, had Christmas dinner, had Christmas Day, had Skinner Christmas afternoon, and had Nicholson Christmas lunch. All went well and Zane was politely cooperative!

Finished our Christmas cards today together. It took about two and half hours to do 129 cards with enclosures. Zane did the postage stamps and grouped them together with a rubber band in tens, Darin did labels, and I glued the letter and wrote anything if needed. I AM SO GLAD that is done! It started to snow right when we completed the last one. The snow is nice fluffy white flakes that Zane said he might need to shovel in the morning. Tomorrow, we are going to the bank, library, UPS, and start writing thank you notes! Zane also needs to finish his writing assignment and then all we have left is to read something everyday.

I started walking a mile on Saturday. I am hoping to increase it to two miles by Tuesday as I have to be ready for the Chub Club at West when we start back on January 4th. I might even do some workout videos.

Darin and Zane are making homemade ice cream. Connie and Brian got us a maker that you roll around. Should be interesting. I am hoping it will turn out:)

Would also like to get rid of the massive stack of magazines before the break ends and I am slowly whittling away at it every night.

It has been a VERY nice Christmas and winter break and I hope it continues!

Nice Break

Zane has been a great helper over the last few days. We do his homework in the morning after breakfast and it is done for the day. I try to let him pick what he wants to do for one of the assignments, but he always does a writing assignment. We have also written one thank you note from Skinner Dinner on Sunday. We have two more to finish just in time for Christmas!

I still have not done our Christmas cards. They are sitting there in a heap on the dining room table. I just don't know what to say and there is so much to do right now. I think I am finished shopping and just need to wrap a few more things. Thursday is church and Skinner's with family friends. Christmas morn is just us and afternoon is Skinner grandparents! We are going to have the kids wear the sweatshirts that I had Ada make. We got their picture taken today and ordered an 8x10 for them too. Dad is coming either Friday AM or sometime Saturday for the Nicholson side. I have Rosemary and Christina's gifts ready, but not wrapped, and hopefully we can meet over the break too!

I got all the laundray caught up, ironed, and put away. Need to start the kitchen so it isn't so unliveable-is that a word? NEED to start exercising NOW! And most of all, quit eating!

The rock picker came today, Darin still needs to finish the CPS for the government, I need to call and make an appt. to get the carpets cleaned, and maybe play some games with Zane today or tomorrow! We are having a wonderful time even though it is just living life! God is so good!

SLUSHY SNOW!

This is the first day of winter break and it snowed last night. It is slushy snow, with only about an inch, but anything is better than nothing! The rest of the US has already seen its fury this year - the Midwest had over two feet and the East coast has seen a foot. Not quite what I would like for OH, but this is OK with all here.

The week went pretty well overall. Only a few incidents - one that needed documentation, but I was pleased that the students were pretty good, at least for me anyway. We have started on the spring program for the first and second graders. I will begin kindergarten in January. I think it helped keep them focused and not squirrely since we had "work" to do! Need to remember this for next year.

Things to do during this break:
1. GET RID OF "STUFF"
2. Bake gingerbread people with Zane
3. The normal things like wrap gifts, finish buying gifts so they can be wrapped, bake cookies,
bake things for special festivities, etc.
4. CLEAN bathrooms, kitchen, and maybe closets
5. ENJOY the time off with Darin and Zane (we already went Christmas light looking last night- we thought maybe we could do it every year on the last day of school as it went really well
for all of us)
6. FIND THE TIME to stop and be thankful for all that the Lord has provided
7. Read my Bible each day!

Just a few things to do to make my life more than it is right now. I am excited about Zane as he received two tickets to a Blue Jacket's game (he and Darin will attend) and he is doing better with his staph infection. I am hoping to do some school work with him each day as he has a big assessment in January to see how they are progressing. His spelling tests are getting better again - he didn't miss any this week and I am going to see that he finishes his writing pages too!

FIVE days until Christmas Break!

It has been a fun filled and hectic school year so far. I have had two evaluations from my new principal that were the highest marks I have ever had. A high bar to follow in the spring.

Zane passed out of level two in his swimming lessons in November and is looking forward to being in level three in January. Hopefully, he will remember how to float on his stomach!

We went to Freeman's Farm for Heritage's Harvest day celebration. It was raining, but we still had a good time riding the hay wagon, decorating a pumpkin to take home, and visiting with friends. Darin also took him trick-or-treating to some area homes. Zane dressed as Batman and also was able to wear his costume to school this year.

Harvest took a LONG time this year as October was cold and rainy. It felt more like December than October. On November 13th, the guys finally finished the popcorn and field corn. It seemed like it would never end. Connie received an award for her work at the Red Cross and got a nice clock and plaque for her efforts. We also watched Christina's dog, Moxie, while she went to CA for Thanksgiving. Zane and Moxie are now tight friends and he cried when he came home from school and realized she wasn't there. He knew I was taking her home that morning, but it didn't sink in until the reality of opening the door and no dog. He did a good job watching her and playing with her, so MAYBE we might get a dog next summer. We will see as it is a big responsibility for all. Zane was hit with a staph infection on Sunday, December 6th, but we didn't take him for a diagnosis until Wednesday. We were surprised it was that serious, but we are glad he is on antibiotics for ten days and the clorine baths are drying up the infected areas.

We have a busy five days ahead, with an early staff meeting that I need to bring muffins to, take Zane to the dentist for his sealant, El Vaquero's for North staff party, staff breakfast at North, and a desperately needed haircut for me! Darin went to Bill's for the annual financial forecast, which is pretty bad. I am hoping we can find a new pickup for Darin to help alleviate the tax situation.

Also, unfortunately, Rosemary's father passed away. I am so sad for her. This will be a difficult holiday for them, but I know he is in good hands. I took a half personal day to go to the calling hours since it was the day before the concert. She was really holding up well-Tom is a dearheart.

We are looking forward to the end of 2009, with lots of festivities and fun! Connie is having the new year's party at her house with the Long's. Still need to send out Christmas cards, finish wrapping and getting presents, and even decorate. I cannot find the suction cups to hang the lights on the windows-it is driving me crazy!

Here's to 2010-Darin turns forty and we will have known each other for ten years! I am so blessed!

The School Year in Progress

Not a bad start for the 2009-2010 school year. It has been a few weeks of adjustments, changes, and beginnings. A lot of things have been good, a few things need worked out, but in general there have been a lot of the same old, same old with a few twists.

Zane is enjoying the first grade. He has a wonderful teacher and seems to have a decent class. He got his school pictures taken, we have signed him up for swimming lessons again this school year, and we might let him do basketball again this winter. So far the homework is good and he has shown improvement in his reading skills. I don't know about speech yet.

Thank goodness the start has been successful!

Seven years and counting!

Zane turned seven today! He was very clingy, but we had a good day. Zane helped me make the fudge ribbon cake which we baked this morning. He helped ice it before we left for his physical. He is always going to be my big boy-52 inches and 85 pounds. The doctor always tells me you have a very healthy boy:) Grandpa Nicholson, Grandma/pa Skinner, and Connie and Brian, plus kids came for dinner and dessert at 5:30PM. Nice low key, Dad was early, we ate on time, and everyone was gone by 7:30PM! My kind of party! Things were somewhat cleaned up, Zane took a bath (so he could use his new sonic scrubber), and Darin was able to get caught up on his emails before we went to bed! A very successful birthday, including a good report for Six. She is healing nicely from her bite wounds. I think Zane enjoyed himself and everyone loved his birthday sidewalk paint on the apron outside the garage door. He starts first grade next Wednesday with Mrs. Burkett and I will have a new schedule at both schools, with a new principal at West. We are so blessed and I am so proud of Zane. It will always amaze me that Darin and I produced such a wonderful, kind, thoughtful, and loving boy. I pray the Lord will be gracious to Zane and us as we continue to teach him and love him everyday!

Happy Birthday Month

I am now officially 44 and can't imagine how this happened. I really need to quit looking at the numbers and focus on each day and enjoying that moment fully as it happens. I have so many blessings in my life that it boggles my mind sometimes. It also helps push away the unhappy and misguided thoughts that bring me down. Darin is a wonderful human being, man, husband, father, teacher,and friend. Zane is growing into a nice little boy who can show compassion and love. It is a challenge to raise a well rounded individual, but we are trying. Darin's patience is amazing and I am so fortunate to be parenting with him even though we bring different aspects to the table.

Christina gave me a great time with her time last night. Stayed out way past my bedtime, but got caught up on a lot of her life this year. It had been too long since we just talked. She has grown so much as a musician-I was thrilled to hear her play the drums! WOW! I was thoroughly impressed. Practice is possible as an adult. It was nice to meet Wahru and see them together. The chocolate cake at Max and Erma's was to die for and it was a lovely evening to see The Tempest at Schiller Park in German Village. So great of her to block out that chunk of time for me on my birthday.

Looking forward to Friday at the new Huntington Park to see the Columbus Clippers with the family. Darin and I got tickets from Connie and Brian to see the Columbus Pops concert with the OSU marching band on August 1st, and Zane is staying at grandma's house overnight. August is jury duty month for the United States District Court in Columbus, so we will see if I get seated. Should be interesting if not dull.

What a family!

Thanks to everyone-especially Claire and Helen-everything went well for Grandma's 90th birthday bash weekend/reunion. It was a fun filled time that in every aspect a tribute to the love we have for Grandma Smith. I was so pleased with how everything worked out and all seemed to enjoy themselves, including the great-grandchildren.

It will take awhile to process everything and catch up on much needed sleep, but it was so worth it and I am glad that Claire put the pieces in place and made this event occur. Grandma said she was delighted with everything and I am so happy that she is happy. I can't turn back time, I can't change people's choices, but I can help allow new events to happen and I can learn to roll with the punches:)

Summertime!

It finally is beginning to feel like summer.

We went and got the mulch this afternoon to put down tomorrow. I need to weed first now that my back is finally starting to feel better. Hopefully, it won't take too long as I also need to weed the garden and plant the tomatoes!

Stephen and Sharon are coming on the Sunday after Grandma's 90th birthday party to visit for the afternoon. I still haven't heard from Jeremy when he is arriving, but I am looking forward to having a good visit with both. I need to call Dad and see if he can come with Stephen and Sharon, but most likely, he will be wanting a break from the "fun."

More things to add to my agenda for the summer:

1. Contact Beth
2. Go on field trips
3. Go to IKEA

School's Out for Summer!

It is officially the first day of summer vacation. Although, I am not on vacation yet. Zane has basketball camp this week, VBS and swimming lessons next week, and swim lessons the following week. Grandma's big bash is that weekend and I am already stressing about it.

It has been a hectic end of the school year without much closure. I am officially checked out of both buildings, but I still haven't checked out mentally. I still need to call Rettig about the time for West to have their band fittings and I am determined to get some lesson planning done this summer.

I must say that at least I am off to a good start. Zane is signed up for the summer reading program at the county library and I have finished two out of three books in a trilogy by Blue Balliett. The first, Chasing Vermeer, had me hooked as it was quick and easy reading. I have actually managed to read almost three books in two weeks. A world record since Zane was born. For juvenille fiction, they are pretty good. Has comparisons to the DaVinci Code, but I haven't read that, just heard about it.

The main goal for the summer is to exercise everyday and also to have Zane do some sort of "school work" so that he doesn't lose anything over the summer. His speech teacher gave us a detailed assignment and the kindergarten teacher also sent home a packet. I am hoping that he not only retains his year of learning, but maybe will improve upon what has been established.
I have started today with a walk around the back forty, but am also hoping to get another walk down to Baker and back when Darin gets home. Tomorrow will be biking and hopefully get an alternating schedule set up for the rest of the summer.

One more JOB for the summer is to PURGE big time! Get rid of Zane's baby stuff, get rid of my STUFF, and clean out the clothes, school items, and maybe Christmas things. Perhaps then I can start doing some scrapbooking and putting things in order. A tall order for sure, but I am hoping to be more disciplined this summer and actually check different things off my list.

Other silly to do items:
1. get eyes and ears checked
2. clean closets/laundry room
3. doing the doctor appointments
4. paint living room
5. get vacation planned to beach
6. get some Christmas shopping done
7. make plates for Christmas
8. enjoy each day:)

The Tooth Fairy Cometh

Zane lost both his teeth this past week. Darin pulled the front right and then Zane fell and hit is mouth over at Connie's and the left was really lose! Darin pulled that one too. So he collected $4 in one week for two teeth. We took pictures of him with just one tooth and then with both front teeth gone. He certainly is cute. It is definitely one of my favorite photos.

OAT week is here so I don't have band at all this week. I still have a lot to get done in the book and the time is going fast. Of course, it isn't going fast enough for the fifth graders. Lisa's class is doing well, but the other two are nothing but rude and disrespectful. I had one student today flat out lie to me about having gum. I specifically asked if she had gum and she said, "No, I have a cough drop." Well, yes, she had a cough drop and gum. That is lying, no way around it. Rude!

I have been trying to lose some weight, except all I do is gain. I NEED TO EXERCISE! I must find a way to walk at least some each day or it will only get worse.

Darin helped me rototill the garden after I spread the peat moss. Zane wanted to play in it and both Darin and I said no. He has to wait until we plant and it rains to get rid of some of the yucky stuff in the peat. Don't need him getting sick from manure or whatever else they use it.
They bought me pumpkin seeds at Big Lots. I am hoping to plant zucchini, tomatoes, and maybe try peppers again, although I don't have much luck with them. I need to get some sunflower seeds too!

End of Spring Break

This is the last work day of spring break 2009. I have basically recuperated from the third nine weeks and the concert at North. Setting everything up and taking everything down all week really drains me any more. I am no spring chicken. It really does catch up with you eventually.
We haven't done much. Too lazy, I suppose. Too tired, in reality. Still not thinking straight, but better today. I am looking forward to getting West completed and then only the COS concert with the fourth graders, end of the school year stuff, and maybe we will see summer. I am hopefully going to take Easter Monday off and go see Helen about pictures for Grandma's 90th. I would like to get started on something soon. Need to see about taking a day off in May for the Blue Angels event in MD, if possible.

Grandma turns 90!

My cousin, Claire, is spearheading a birthday party/reunion for my only living grandparent who will be ninety this June. I am very excited to not only help with this event, but see cousins, siblings, and other relatives that I don't get to visit with very often. Plus, my grandmother will LOVE it. I am getting the cake and my other cousin has already volunteered to do a slideshow/powerpoint presentation. So far, two aunts (Jane and Helen) and two cousins (Claire and John) plus families are planning on attending. Hopefully, my two brothers will cooperate and show up as well:)

The Longest Month of the Year

For being the shortest month, it can sometimes seem like the longest month when family members are ill. For me, I can truly say that I am glad to see February go this year. Maybe the germs will go with it.

As any parent can attest, it is absolutely heartbreaking when there is nothing you can do for your child when they are ill and in pain. Although I never really had ear infections, Darin did and he can really understand what Zane is going through. I am amazed at his compassion and love for his child when Zane is ill. I am grateful that Darin can watch him during this time of year when I am swamped with work. It will be different once the concerts are over, and then I can watch Zane while Darin is planting. We seem to have a pretty good give and take. Sometimes things flow well and other times, it can be frustrating. In the long run, it all evens out.

Hopefully, we can spend some time with Dad next weekend, when all the "bugs" are gone. I miss seeing him. It boggles my mind that he is almost seventy. How can that happen? Where does the time go and why didn't I take advantage of it when I was single? Been missing departed ones as more family members, friends, and cohorts have passed away recently. I am praying that Dad stays around for a long time. I need to ask him so many things. Need to write them down so I don't forget when I get the opportunity!

Sickness knows no holidays!

Happy Valentine's Day to me-one sick kid! He got up this AM crying and saying that his head hurt and that he couldn't sleep. Told him it was time to get up anyway and gave him a children's tylenol after much hassle. Zane sat on the couch until 9:30AM when he finally said to bring the bucket which I immediately did just before he puked! It boggles my mind that mothering instinct can make you move so fast so that there isn't puke on the living room carpet!

It has been a hectic two weeks and I remain grateful for my sister-in-law who will watch my sick kid (at the risk of getting her own children sick, which of course, happened anyway). So now Zane is sick again. I just hope by keeping him away from the cousins it won't keep cycling. Darin even got it this week, but wouldn't admit it!

Taxes are done-it always amazes me what the US government is due.

Snow Day-It's the most wonderful day of the year!

Well, we are now out of "calamity" days for the current school year. Although today was a surprise, as we were on a two hour delay, it nevertheless is a nice way to start the weekend!
It will be sad in June when we have to go "extra" days, but that's the way the ball rolls sometimes.
I have been praying for several people who are important to me. It is a blessing to have them in my life and my family's life and I continue to learn from their success and attitudes. Sometimes it is difficult to see the fruit of such prayers as they struggle with their ailments. Sometimes it is encouraging to watch the path that they decide upon each day.
Anyway, Zane had swim lessons last night and did really well. He said on Tuesday that "I think I am getting the hang of it!" It showed last night as he dog paddled almost halfway across the pool. It was exciting to see his progress. One of the finer aspects of parenting I must say is watching them "learn to fly!"

Blogging beginnings

This is a new adventure. Blogging has been around for awhile and I am finally joining the technical literate. I have tried keeping diaries but was never any good so we will see how being on the web pans out.