Thanksgiving And A 10th Birthday

This is my last day of my 6 day vacation.  It's been wonderful.  Some moments have been relaxing while other moments have been busy.  This time off has been needed.  I'm lucky to have a job that's only 3 hours a day but it's nice to have time off.  The vacation started last Wednesday.  The kids were invited to play with their friends Elee and Max, which allowed me to get some things done around the house and relax.  I told Elee and Max they could come over today so they will be over at 2:00. 

Thursday was Thanksgiving.  I usually do the cooking and have my parents and my husband's family over.  I don't mind cooking but this year I decided to take a break and we had dinner with my parents at a place called The Eden Resort.  This is where my husband and I had our wedding reception.  It's such a beautiful place and they had a huge buffet set up with lots of food and live piano music.  It was nice.  I wish I would have taken more pictures. 

The bad part of not cooking Thanksgiving at home is not having any leftovers.  We usually have enough to live on for days.  The good thing is not having all the mess to clean up.  It was nice to have a day out to enjoy and not have to stress over the cooking. 

Friday was my son's 10th birthday.  Oh my goodness.  These 10 years went by so fast.  If I can give advice to new moms it's that "time flies" isn't just a cliche it's the truth.  The waking up throughout the night for feedings, the constant changing of diapers, the feeling of being stuck at home and lacking adult interaction, the crying, etc., it all does end and you will miss it.  So embrace every moment. 

My son wanted to go to a place called Go'n Bananas.  We had never been there before but heard it was fun.  There was a lot to do and the kids loved it. 

We stopped at my parents' house because they had bought a cake.  We spent some time there and then went to a hibachi restaurant.  My son went to this restaurant with a friend a few years ago and loved it.  I had never been to a hibachi restaurant before and it was a lot of fun.  The kids loved it.  I think my daughter got a kick out of the chop sticks.  

We sat at a table with a large group who were there together.  They were very nice.  The one man asked who had the birthday.  My son told him it was him and they were talking about the day.  My husband and I looked at each other and whispered "how did he know?"  That was weird.  Then when we went to leave they insisted on paying for our meal.  As we left we saw them all get into a van with a Missouri license plate.  Whoever they were THANK YOU.  We are now fans of people from Missouri.  I'm a believer in pay it forward so I hope to be able to do the same for someone soon.  

On Saturday we took my husband to his physical therapy appointment.  He had shoulder surgery a few weeks ago.  Then we came home to decorate for Christmas.  I haven't finished so when I do I'll be sure to add the pictures here.  I cannot believe it's almost Christmas.  Where did this year go?  I'm trying to get into the spirit of Christmas but it's not quite there yet.  

On Sunday I dropped the kids off at my parents' for a sleepover.  I had a relaxing evening at home with my husband.  This morning I drove him to work and will be picking him up at lunch time.  The kids should be home about that time too and then their friends are coming over.  

And just like that vacation is about over.  The kids go back to school tomorrow and I go back to work in the cafeteria.  I will have plenty of activities and events coming up to write about.  Stay tuned. 

Fall 2017

The fall weather is finally here!  I love the warm weather and I do not like the cold but my only reason for seeing cooler temps is because it will kill the bees.  We've been dealing with a lot of yellow jackets all over the place and I have been stung twice.  They are really bad this year. 

My son finished the fall ball season.  He is getting better and better.  This year he played catcher a lot and was really good at it.  The team made it to the championships but lost the first game.  It's okay, at least they made it as far as they did.  I'm so proud of him.  He loves baseball.  When he's not playing with the team he's in the back yard playing on his own.  He doesn't stop.  I love seeing how much he's putting his heart into something. 

Because fall ball took up our weekends we haven't had much time for anything else.  After he lost the first game on Saturday morning we ventured off to a place called Maze Quest.  The kids had a lot of fun but the big corn maze was something that became tiring after awhile.  We didn't get through it all. 

Looking forward to doing more things each weekend.  Tomorrow is Halloween.  I can't believe how fast this year is going.  It won't be long until it's Christmas. 

Catch Up

I have been so busy and haven't had a chance to sit and write anything for awhile.  To be honest, I feel guilty if I take the time to blog when there is a million things around the house to get done but here I am.  I needed to just stop and take this break.  It's nice sometimes.  I just put the kids on the bus and am sitting in front of the television while sipping on my first cup of coffee.  This is what I usually do in the morning before getting any housework done.  I love the peace and quiet.  Yes, that's Tweety in the background that matches my Tweety cup.  The kids were watching Looney Tunes before the bus came and I left it on.  Tweety is my favorite wittle character.  I have a huge Tweety collection, most of what has been given to me over the years by my husband. 

Fall is a busy time for us including school and a lot of the after school activities.  My son started playing trumpet and he loves it so far.  Every evening, except Thursday, is busy for us.  I don't mind being busy but I do make sure we have as much down time as possible.  With school, baseball, dance, and scouts I feel it's important that my kids get play time too.  Every day after school they come in, grab a snack and then go out the door to play with neighborhood friends until it's time for dinner and some evenings dinner has to be done early.  This is the last month of fall baseball and then he will have a break until spring. 

Working in the cafeteria is going okay.  I like that it gives me something to do during the day and I can make a little extra money to help with whatever is needed.  I have only been there for one month and am still learning but I'm getting the hang of it.  I really enjoy being around the children and the three hours are going fast.  Time is moving fast.  I can't believe it's October already.

Speaking of October, this weekend is my birthday.  I don't get as excited about birthdays as I used to.  I guess it comes with aging.  Maybe I'll write a birthday post next week.  I really do need to figure out more things to write about. 

Now it's time to get a few things done at home before heading to work.  It's Friday and there's a three day weekend!!!! 

Lunch Lady

After almost 10 years I am back into the working world.  It's not much.  I spend three hours a day in the elementary school cafeteria.  I get to see my kids and interact with all the other kids and it's a lot of fun.  I don't cook or serve the food but I will run register, take out the trash, clean tables and floors, etc.  The three hours go fast.  I wanted something that would work with my kids' school schedule and this is perfect and the extra money is needed. 

I started in the high school cafeteria but asked to make the switch to elementary because I enjoy the younger kids and having a nine year old and six year old of my own this is the age I'm used to. 

I never, ever thought I'd be a lunch lady but here I am killing it! 

Back To School

Summer vacation flew by too quickly as it always does.  My kids got on the bus this morning for their first day of 1st and 4th grades.  The morning went very easy.  They were both awake and dressed early and wore their back packs a half hour earlier then they needed to.  Because of the solar eclipse taking place later today the school is letting them out early.  We have our special solar eclipse glasses and are ready for the big event. 

Another school year has begun and we are back to that normal routine.  I hope and pray the kids have a good year and continue to do well. 

I got a job working in the cafeteria at the high school three hours a day but can't start until all of my clearances come back.  I am excited to get back to work.  It's been 10 years since I've earned a paycheck and this will be a small one but it will help.  I'm also happy to find a job that will allow me to be home when the kids are home.  That was a big deal to me. 

My Baby Girl Is 6

We just celebrated our little girl's 6 birthday.  I don't know how these last 6 years went by as fast as they did.

The day started with me having to go to orientation for my new job, more of that later, then we started birthday fun with presents.  I bought her one of those generic American Girl dolls because I'd rather spend $30 for a doll than over $100.  She also got some Shopkins and a swing set for her Barbie dolls.  Then we went to Build A Bear where both kids made bears and then to Chuck E Cheese for dinner and fun.  The evening ended with a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  She seemed to enjoy the day.  Last weekend we went to a local theater to see Peter Pan and had cake at my parents' house.

She's still small for her age but I tell her never to let that bother her.  It does annoy me when people have to mention how little she is.  So what?  That's how God made her and she is perfect in His eyes.  She loves pink, sparkles and is everything girly girl.  She even loves wearing makeup and received a makeup kit from the grandparents.  She only uses it at home for dress up.  Never outside of the house except for dance recitals.  I look at her and realize age 16 isn't going to be that far off and I don't want her to grow up so quickly.  Between makeup and always talking about being a mother someday I fear she will.  I'm going to hold onto that little girl for as long as I can.

She joined the children's choir at church and loves it.  We also signed her up for another year of dance; this time taking one ballet and one tap class instead of the combined class.  I love watching as she dances around and she's so graceful.  I also love watching as she continues to use her imagination.  This girl has such a love for God and for others.  She's always willing to help out those in need and I'm sure her career will involve helping others somehow.

She's a blessing.  I am privileged to be her mother and I thank God for this opportunity every day. 

Skate Park Summer Fun

Summer vacation is going by very fast.  In three weeks the kids will be back to school.  I can't believe it.  So far the summer has been very laid back.  Aside from our trip to the beach we haven't gone on any other vacations.  We haven't even had many play dates for the kids.  My daughter was able to play with her friend from kindergarten Elee a few times.  Elee (Erin Lee) came on Saturday for an early morning play date while her brother was at his wrestling tournament.  Elee is filled with energy and she kept us all moving but that was great.  She's a good kid and unlike a lot of kids that come over she wasn't destructive and out of control.  So, come back any time Elee!  We love having you here. 

On Sunday we took the kids to a nearby skate park.  I took the kids to the skate park last year but my husband never saw it.  It's really cool.  A huge skate park that was build in memory of a 14 year old boy who had died years ago.  The ages of the kids who were there vary.  The younger kids use scooters and the older guys use skateboards.  I am impressed by those guys on skateboards.  I can't even stay balanced on a skateboard so forget about trying those jumps and tricks.  My son has a skateboard but he hasn't quite figured out how to use it so he used his scooter and my daughter brought her three wheel scooter too.  She was the only girl there.  It was a nice free thing to do.  Although, the day was hot!